Net Metering – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Solar Energy Glossary Terms

I. What is Net Metering? Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows customers who generate their own electricity from renewable sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to receive credit for the excess electricity they produce. This excess electricity is fed back into the grid, and the customer receives a credit on their … Read more

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Solar Energy Glossary Terms

I. What is Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)? Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is a renewable energy technology that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small area. This concentrated sunlight is then converted into heat, which can be used to generate electricity through a steam turbine or heat engine. CSP … Read more

Solar Resource Mapping – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Solar Energy Glossary Terms

I. What is Solar Resource Mapping? Solar resource mapping is the process of assessing the solar energy potential of a specific location by gathering data on the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface. This data is crucial for determining the feasibility of solar energy projects and optimizing their performance. Solar resource mapping involves … Read more

Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid Solar Collector – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Solar Energy Glossary Terms

I. What is a Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid Solar Collector? A Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid Solar Collector, also known as PVT collector, is a type of solar panel that combines photovoltaic (PV) and thermal technologies to generate electricity and heat simultaneously. This innovative technology allows for the dual use of solar energy, making it more efficient and … Read more

Wafer-Based Solar Cells – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Solar Energy Glossary Terms

I. What are Wafer-Based Solar Cells? Wafer-based solar cells are a type of photovoltaic cell that converts sunlight into electricity. They are made from silicon wafers, which are thin slices of silicon crystal. These cells are the most common type of solar cell used in residential and commercial solar panel systems. Wafer-based solar cells are … Read more

Solar Energy Modeling – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Solar Energy Glossary Terms

I. What is Solar Energy Modeling? Solar energy modeling is the process of using mathematical and computational tools to predict the behavior and performance of solar energy systems. These models take into account various factors such as weather patterns, geographic location, system design, and energy consumption to estimate the amount of energy that can be … Read more

Potential Induced Degradation (PID) – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Solar Energy Glossary Terms

What is Potential Induced Degradation (PID)? Potential Induced Degradation (PID) is a phenomenon that affects the performance of solar panels over time. It occurs when an unwanted electrical potential is induced between the solar cells and the frame of the panel, leading to a degradation of the panel’s efficiency. PID can significantly reduce the power … Read more

Intermediate Band Solar Cell – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Solar Energy Glossary Terms

I. What is an Intermediate Band Solar Cell? An intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) is a type of solar cell that has been designed to increase the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity. Traditional solar cells, also known as single-junction solar cells, have a limited efficiency due to the way they convert sunlight into electricity. … Read more