Submitted by elsbeth on Wed, 2009-10-28 12:49

Definitions

 

  • AC: Alternating Current
  • Array: a group of sub-arrays forming a single surface.
  • DC: Direct Current
  • Tilt: the angle at which the panel is positioned with respect to the sun.
  • Irradiation: the amount of solar radiation per full hour of sun, expressed in kWh/m².
  • Irradiation disc: a disc used to read off the amount of irradiation, expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible irradiation, for a particular orientation and tilt of the solar panels.
  • Inverter: device that converts direct current from the solar panels into alternating current for the power grid.
  • Orientation: the positioning of the PV system with respect to due south.
  • PV: PhotoVoltaic (or solar) electricity.
  • PV system: a group of arrays together, complete with additional system components.
  • Efficiency: the portion of sunlight that can be converted into electricity, expressed as a %.
  • String: a group of modules connected in series
  • Sub-array: a group of modules together in a support structure.
  • Watt peak (Wp= peak power output): the electrical power that a solar cell supplies at an irradiation of 1000 W/m2 and a cell temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
  • Solar cell: basic building block that supplies electricity directly under the influence of light.
  • Solar collector: system that converts sunlight into heat.
  • Solar panel (= a module): a group of series-connected solar cells together comprising a system that converts sunlight directly into electricity.