Solar Energy Glossary

I. What is Spectrum Splitting in Photovoltaics? Spectrum splitting is a technique used in photovoltaics to improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion. Traditional photovoltaic systems typically use a single material to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. However, not all materials are equally efficient at converting different wavelengths of light into electricity. Spectrum … Read more

I. What is Maximum System Voltage? Maximum system voltage refers to the highest voltage that a solar energy system can safely handle without causing damage to the system components. This voltage is crucial in determining the overall safety and efficiency of a solar energy system. It is important to note that maximum system voltage is … Read more

I. What is Solar Azimuth Angle? The solar azimuth angle is an important concept in the field of solar energy. It refers to the angle between the direction of the sun and the direction of true north at any given location on Earth. In simpler terms, it is the angle at which the sun appears … Read more

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

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

I. What is Solar Access? Solar access refers to the amount of sunlight that reaches a specific area, such as a rooftop or a piece of land. It is a crucial factor in determining the efficiency and effectiveness of solar energy systems. The more sunlight a solar panel or solar thermal system receives, the more … Read more

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

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

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

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