Embarking on a solar energy journey can be an exciting yet daunting endeavor, especially when faced with a plethora of technical terms. This blog post aims to demystify the solar energy lexicon, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of 30 essential terms you should know before starting your solar journey.

1. Solar Energy

This is the radiant energy emitted by the sun, which can be converted into thermal or electrical energy.

2. Photovoltaic (PV) System

A PV system converts sunlight directly into dc electricity using solar cells.

3. Solar Cells

These are the building blocks of a solar panel. They convert sunlight into electricity.

4. Solar Panels

Solar panels are made up of many solar cells and are used to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.

5. Solar Array

A solar array is a group of solar panels connected together to increase power output.

6. Inverter

This device converts the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used in your home or business.

7. On-Grid System

This type of solar system is connected to the local utility grid. Excess power generated can be fed back into the grid for financial incentives.

8. Off-Grid System

This is a solar system that operates independently of the local utility grid. It often includes battery storage to store excess power for backup at the night time.

9. Hybrid System

A hybrid system combines the features of a grid-tied system with battery storage.

10. Net Metering

This is a billing arrangement that allows solar system owners to sell excess electricity back to the grid.

11. Interconnection

This is the process of connecting a solar system to the local utility grid.

12. Mounting System

This is the structure that holds solar panels in place.

13. Orientation

This refers to the direction that the solar panels face. Optimal orientation depends on the geographical location.

14. Tilt Angle

This is the angle at which the solar panels are installed. The optimal tilt angle maximizes solar energy capture.

15. Energy Efficiency

This refers to using less energy to perform the same task, reducing energy waste.

16. Load

This is the amount of electricity used by all the electrical devices in a home or business.

17. Capacity

This is the maximum amount of electricity a solar system can produce.

18. Kilowatt (kW)

This is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts.

19. Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

This is a unit of energy equal to the energy produced by one kilowatt in one hour.

20. Irradiance

This is the amount of solar energy received at a given surface area at a specific time.

21. Insolation

This is the amount of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area during a given time.

22. Peak Sun Hours

This is the equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 watts per square meter.

23. Battery Bank

This is a group of batteries connected together to store electricity in an Off-Grid or hybrid system.

24. Charge Controller

This device regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels and prevents overcharging of the batteries.

25. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)

These are tradable commodities that represent the clean energy generated by a solar system.

26. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

This is a financial agreement where a developer installs a solar system on a customer's property and the customer agrees to purchase the system's power for a predetermined period.

27. Lease

This is a financial agreement where a customer pays for the use of a solar system without owning it.

28. Payback Period

The time it takes for the cost of a solar system to be offset by the savings on electricity bills.

29. Solar Efficiency Rating

The percentage of sunlight that is converted into electricity by a solar panel. This rating can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the solar cells and the manufacturing process used.

30. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

A technology utilized in solar inverters or charge controllers to optimize the efficiency of a solar panel system by tracking the maximum power output of the panels.

Understanding these terms is the first step in your solar energy journey. With this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of your solar system. For more information and guidance on your solar journey, visit www.tecophase.com.