How Does Solar Energy Work? – Vocabulary Review

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Fourteen vocabulary flashcards summarizing the essential components, electrical terms, and safety concepts presented in the lecture on how home solar energy systems work.

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14 Terms

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Sun

The star that supplies the light energy captured by solar panels to generate electricity.

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Solar Panel (Module)

A device that converts sunlight into direct-current (DC) electricity.

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Direct Current (DC)

Electricity in which electrons flow in one constant direction, like race cars on a track.

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Alternating Current (AC)

Electricity in which electrons rapidly reverse direction, like bumper cars; the standard form used in homes.

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Inverter

Equipment that changes DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity that household appliances can use.

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DC Disconnect

A safety switch that can shut off the DC power coming from the solar array to protect workers during maintenance or outages.

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Main Service Panel

The home’s central breaker box that receives AC power and distributes it to circuits throughout the building.

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AC Load

Any appliance or device (e.g., a light bulb) that consumes AC electricity.

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Production Meter

A meter that measures how much electricity the solar panels generate.

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Usage Meter

A meter that records how much electricity the household consumes from all sources.

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Utility Grid

The network of power lines owned and maintained by the electric company for distributing electricity.

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Net Metering

A billing system that credits homeowners for excess solar electricity sent to the grid, lowering their electric bill.

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Solar Energy Flow

The path of energy: Sun → Solar Panel → Inverter → Main Service Panel → AC Loads, with excess sent to the grid.

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Safety Grid Isolation

The combined action of the DC Disconnect and Main Service Panel that stops electricity from back-feeding to the grid during outages, protecting line workers.