(Blank)
A device used to regulate the charging and discharging of the battery system to prevent overcharge and excess discharge.
Charge Controller
A completed PV Power-generating system including solar panels is
Array
A junction box used to connect strings of solar panels to create a larger array.
Combiner Box
The number of days that a solar PV system can continue to meet an electrical load.
Day Of Autonomy
When current flows into the grid.
Backfeed
A semiconductor device that converts sunlight into current.
Photovoltaic PV Cell
A unit of energy typically used for metering.
Watt- Hours
A device used to convert DC to AC.
Inverter
A type of PV cell formed by pouring liquid silicon into blocks and then slicing into wafers.
Polycrystalline
A type of PV cell formed using thin slices of a single crystal and characterized by its high efficiency.
(BOS)
Balance Of System
A temporary decrease in grid output voltage typically caused by peak load demands.
Brownout
A collection of batteries electrically connected in parallel and series combinations to generate the desired voltage and current capacity needed.
Battery Bank
Connecting one conductor of a two-conductor system to ground.
System Grounding
(NABCEP)
North American Board Of Certified Energy Practitioners
A PV system typically used to provide power in remote areas.
Off-Grid System/Stand Alone System
A PV system component consisting of numerous electrically and mechanically connected PV cells encased in a protective glass or laminate frame.
Module/Panel
A device that measures power used from the grid against PV power put into the grid.
Net meter
A PV system that operates in parallel with the utility grid and provides supplemental power to the building.
Grid-Tied System
The equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1000w/m2.
Insolation/ Peak Sun Hours
Used to direct current around a panel rather than through it.
Bypass Diode
A low-efficiency type of photovoltaic cell characterized by its ability to be used in flexible forms.
Amorphous/Thin Film
A Solar connection method where your solar inverter wires directly into the utility service conductors located between the electric meter and your main service disconnect breaker.
Line-Side Tap
Connects your solar inverter directly to a dedicated circuit breaker on your main electrical panel's busbar.
Load-Side Tap
A PV system built into the structure as a replacement for a building component such as roofing.
Building-Integrated PV