Solar Energy

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to solar energy systems, helping to understand key concepts and terminology in the field.

Solar energy

The energy received from the sun that can be converted into thermal or electrical energy.

Grid-tied Solar Power System

A solar power system connected to the utility grid, allowing excess energy to be sold back to the utility company.

Net-metering

A system that allows energy consumers with solar power systems to sell excess electricity back to the grid.

Off-grid Solar Power System

A self-sufficient solar power system without connection to the main utility grid, using batteries for energy storage.

Hybrid Solar Power System

A solar power system that combines grid-tied and off-grid features, incorporating energy storage to provide backup power.

Photovoltaic effect

The generation of electric current in a material when exposed to light.

Inverter

A device that converts direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) for household use.

Photons

Particles of light that carry energy from the sun to the Earth.

Solar insolation

The amount of solar energy received on a given surface area during a specific time.

Efficiency

The ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input, typically expressed as a percentage.

Daily solar insolation energy output

The total energy output generated by a solar collector in a day, accounting for solar irradiance and sunlight hours.

Tilt angle

The angle at which a solar collector or module is installed to maximize exposure to the sun.

Battery bank

A set of batteries that store energy generated by a solar power system for later use.

Synchronous inverter

An inverter that synchronizes the generated output with the utility grid for safe operation.

Power output (Po)

The electrical power generated by a solar system, measured in watts.