Solar & Power Terminology

Definitions & Solar Terminology Used by Solar Power Evolution

 

Solar – Utilizing the energy derived or relating to the sun.

 

Solar Energy – Energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy – synonymous with Solar Power.

 

Alternative Energy – energy derived from sources that do not use up natural resources or harm the environment.

 

Passive Solar Energy – Solar energy exploited through architectural design, as by positioning windows to allow sunlight to enter and help heat a space.

 

Active Solar Energy – involves solar energy, the conversion of sunlight to electrical energy, especially through the use of solar (photovoltaic) cells.

 

Solar Cells – devices that capture and convert sunlight directly to electricity. Photovoltaic cells, an alternate term to solar cells with the exception that the source of energy may be unspecified.

 

Photovoltaics (PV) -  Synonymous with the solar panels used to harness the suns energy, and turn it electricity that can be stored in batteries and used to power a home or business’s electrical systems.

 

Solar Grid – The pattern used in the design of solar photovoltaic modules.

 

Inverter – an electrical or electro-mechanical device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC); the resulting AC can be at any required voltage and frequency with the use of appropriate transformers, switching, and control circuits.

 

Silicon – A negatively charged material that acts as a semi-conductor and substance that contains extra electrons used to help create solar energy.

 

DC Power – Direct current power is the movement (or flow) of electric charge only in one direction. Direct current may be made into alternating current (AC) with an inverter.

 

AC Power – Alternating Current power which is the form in which electricity is delivered to businesses and residences.

 

HIT - Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer – The HIT Solar Cell is a uniquely-structured hybrid-type solar cell developed by SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., which uses a crystalline silicon substrate and amorphous silicon thin film. Its high conversion efficiency and superior temperature characteristics enable the world’s highest power generation per installation area.

 

PNM – Public Service New Mexico – New Mexico’s primary public utility company for electrical power.