1/13
Fourteen vocabulary flashcards summarizing the essential components, electrical terms, and safety concepts presented in the lecture on how home solar energy systems work.
Name | Mastery | Learn | Test | Matching | Spaced |
---|
No study sessions yet.
Sun
The star that supplies the light energy captured by solar panels to generate electricity.
Solar Panel (Module)
A device that converts sunlight into direct-current (DC) electricity.
Direct Current (DC)
Electricity in which electrons flow in one constant direction, like race cars on a track.
Alternating Current (AC)
Electricity in which electrons rapidly reverse direction, like bumper cars; the standard form used in homes.
Inverter
Equipment that changes DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity that household appliances can use.
DC Disconnect
A safety switch that can shut off the DC power coming from the solar array to protect workers during maintenance or outages.
Main Service Panel
The home’s central breaker box that receives AC power and distributes it to circuits throughout the building.
AC Load
Any appliance or device (e.g., a light bulb) that consumes AC electricity.
Production Meter
A meter that measures how much electricity the solar panels generate.
Usage Meter
A meter that records how much electricity the household consumes from all sources.
Utility Grid
The network of power lines owned and maintained by the electric company for distributing electricity.
Net Metering
A billing system that credits homeowners for excess solar electricity sent to the grid, lowering their electric bill.
Solar Energy Flow
The path of energy: Sun → Solar Panel → Inverter → Main Service Panel → AC Loads, with excess sent to the grid.
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.