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Definition
| The solar radiation incident on an area over time. Equivalent to energy and usually expressed in kilowatt hours of power per square meter. |
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Definition
| The solar power incident on a surface. Usually expressed in kilowatts per square meter. (Irradiance multiplied by time equals Insolation) |
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| The plot point of the current versus the voltage characteristics of a PV cell, module, or array. Typically measured at 1000 watts per square meter of solar insolation at a specific cell temperature. The shape of the curve characterizes cell performance. |
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Definition
| Also called Peak Power Point-that point on an I-V curve that represents the maximum power output, measured in watts, for a particular cell or module. (Vmp x Imp = MP) |
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| Maximum Power Point Tracking |
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Definition
| A power conditioner which continuosly controls PV source voltage in order to hold it at its maximum power output current. |
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Term
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) |
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Definition
| The maximum voltage produced by an illuminated PV cell, module or array with no load connected. This value will increase as the temperature of PV material decreases. |
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Term
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) |
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Definition
| The current produced by an illuminated PV cell, module, or array when its output terminals are shorted. The maximum current on an I-V curve, which is he operating point for a PV device under no load or short-circuit condition and no voltage output. Isc increases as irradiance increases. |
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Term
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Definition
| Individual PV unit designed to harvest sunlight energy via the photvoltaic effect. Photons of sunlight produce electrical current. |
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Definition
| Individual modules containing multiple mono and/or polycrystalline solar cells mounted in an aluminum frame and covered with tempered glass. |
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Definition
| Modules are grouped together to form a panel. For example, a series string of modules would equal one panel. |
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Definition
| All of the panels in a system are interconnected to form an array. |
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Term
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Definition
| Panels that are aligned in series. When modules are wired in series the voltages are added from module to module. For example, if there were ten 24v modules wired in series the total voltage of the string would be 240v |
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Term
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Definition
| Each series string is a source circuit, or a circuit that produces electricity. |
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Term
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Definition
| Converts D/C power to A/C. The array produces D/C power but household current is A/C. An inverter is needed to use the power created by an array. Inverters also condition power to match the utility grid. |
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Term
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Definition
| Lockable, accessible disconnect that is fused. Wired between the combiner box and the inverter. |
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Term
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Definition
| Angle between true south and the point directly below the location of the sun. Measured in degrees east or west of true south in northern latitudes. |
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Definition
| PV wafer composed of MANY silicon crystals. |
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Definition
| Directs current around a malfunctioned or shaded module. It protects solar cells from thermal destruction in case of total or partial shading of individual solar cells while other cells are exposed to full light. |
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Definition
| Unit of solar irradiance. 1 gram calorie per square centimeter. |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Electric utility distribution network. |
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Definition
| The interface between the P & N layers of a cell. |
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Term
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Definition
| The rate that output capacity of a cell decreases over time. |
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Term
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Definition
| Phosphorous doped cell layer with free electrons. |
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Definition
| % of sunlight converted to electricity. |
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Term
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Definition
| Is mounted in one permanent position. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Used for PV systems that are grid tied but also have battery and/or generator backup. |
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Term
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Definition
| 1000 watts over a 60 minute period of time. One thousand watt hours. |
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Term
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Definition
| Located on the I-V curve--MAXIMUM Power Point, also called Peak Poer Point, the point on an I-V curve that represents the MAX power output, measured in watts for a particular cell or module. |
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Definition
| Converts A/C to D/C and is used in hybrid or stand alone alone systems with backup. |
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Definition
| Location of a structure or array in relationship to North, South, East & West. |
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Definition
| The property of a conductor which opposes the flow of an electric current resulting in the generation of heat in the conducting material. The unit of resistance is measured in ohms. |
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Term
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Definition
| An encapsulated unit containing a number of interconnected photovoltaic cells that generates DC power under concentrated sunlight. |
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Term
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Definition
| When modules are wired in these the voltage adds and the amps stay the same. |
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Term
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Definition
| Half way between sun up and sun down, the moment when the sun is HIGHEST in the sky. To determine solar noon, calculate the length of day from the time of sunset and sunrise and divide by two. |
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Definition
| A unit of measure of the force, or "push" given the electrons in an electric current. Also referred as the electromotive force. |
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Definition
| A quantity of electrical energy when one watt is used for one hour. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Composite semiconductor used in PV. A type of PV cell made from single crystal or polycrystalline slice of silicon. |
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Term
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Definition
| Load center for resistance. Power from the inverter back feeds the panel through a conventional double pole circuit breaker. electricity from the array is fed to household circuits through the service panel. |
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Term
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Definition
| Mounted between the inverter and the electrical panel. Code requires a fusible, lockable, disconnect. |
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Term
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Definition
| Semiconductor grade silicon doped with the element boron giving it a positive bias. |
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Definition
| Any device that consumes electricity. i.e. lights, heaters, pumps, electronics, etc... |
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Definition
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Definition
| The angle of the sun above the horizon. |
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Term
| How many peak sun hours in L.A.? |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| The unit of electric power, or amount of work. One ampere of current flowing at potential of one volt produces one watt of power. |
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Term
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Definition
| W=A x V or P(Watts) = I(Amps) x E(Volts) |
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Term
| Name 4 Resistance Factors? |
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Definition
1. Length
2. How thick is wire (guage)
3. Material (Copper, Aluminum, etc...)
4. Temperature |
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Term
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Definition
| It's the transfer of energy from one form to another. |
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Definition
| Materials that reduce the rate or slow down the movement of heat. |
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Term
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Definition
| Any material that has limited capacity for conducting an electric current. |
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Term
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Definition
| A Semi-conductor device connected in series with a PV module and a storage battery to prevent reverse current discharge of the battery through the module when there is no output, or low output from the cells. |
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Term
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Definition
| The angle that an array is mounted in relationship to horizontal. |
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Definition
| Angle which references the sun's radiation striking a surface. A "normal" angle of incidence refers to the sun striking a surface at a 90 degree angle. |
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Definition
| Standard Testing Conditions-Conditions under which a module is typically tested in a lab. |
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Term
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Definition
| Practical Test Condition-when a module is tested under Real world conditions. |
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Term
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Definition
| British thermal unit--the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. |
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