Solar Panel Jargon Explained

The most common application of solar energy collection outside agriculture i.

Solar panel jargon explained.

What is active solar. The term solar panel is used colloquially for a photo voltaic module. An inverter is a piece of electrical equipment that converts direct current to alternating current i e. A collection of pv modules is called a pv panel and a system of panels is an array.

A device that converts the electricity generated by the solar panel into something that we can use. A pv module is an assembly of photo voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. Solar panels by their nature are a complicated technological wonder so it is understandable that a lot of the solar panel jargon will go over the heads of a normal consumer. Solar panel is the common term that is used both for solar thermal panels and for solar photovoltaic panels.

The solar panels used to convert solar energy into electricity produce a direct current dc. Solar spectrum the total distribution of electromagnetic radiation emanating from the sun. However the electricity that we use in the house office or factory are all alternating current ac. But it is a common belief that to ensure a product is right for you and obtain the best possible price on solar panel installation it is essential that you have an understanding of what common solar panel terms mean.

Solar resource the amount of solar insolation a site receives usually measured in kwh m2 day which is equivalent to the number of peak sun hours. Solar panel see photovoltaic pv panel. Photo voltaic cells use sunlight as a source of energy and generate direct current electricity. A solar panel could either be a solar pv panel containing an array of solar pv cells or a solar thermal panel a system of evacuated tubes or flat plat collector system for solar water heating purposes.