Array: Multiple photovoltaic panels connected together.
Energy Efficiency: Is an important step when considering a renewable energy system. For each $1 outlay on energy efficiency, how much is saved on the size and cost of a renewable energy system.
Grid: Is transmission lines that distribute electricity around area for electric companies.Grid-Tie: The connection of the renewable energy system to the electric companies grid system.
Insolation: Is the amount of sun falling on a specific location.Kilowatts (kW): Is the name for electric power measure of 1,000 watts.
Kilowatt Hours (kWh): The measurement of electrical energy when the power used is multiplied by the time it was used in. One-kilowatt hour is equal to one kilowatt of electric power used for one hour.
Photovoltaic (PV): Electricity created when sunlight shines directly into photovoltaic cells. Computer chip material similar to PV cells and made from semi-conducting material. Electrons knocked loose from atoms by sunlight absorbed in to the PV cell flow through the semi-conducting material to produce electricity. The photovoltaic effect is the process for converting light to electricity.
PV Panels or Modules: Connecting a series of silicon cells encased in tempered glass panel producing a sizeable amount of electricity.
Net Metering: When renewable electricity that flows into the utility grid making the meter spin backwards enabling system owners to receive full credit for the electricity they produce without installing battery storage.
Renewable Energy: Naturally occurring, theoretically inexhaustible source of energy, as biomass, solar, wind, tidal, wave, and hydroelectric power, that is not derived from fossil or nuclear fuel.