| A | B |
|---|
| altitude | the sun’s height above the horizon |
| amorphous | having no definite form or distinct shape |
| array | a mechanically integrated assembly of modules or panels with a support structure and foundation, tracker, and other components, as required, to form a direct-current power-producing unit |
| azimuth | the sun’s apparent location in the sky east or west of true south |
| charge controller | equipment that controls DC voltage or DC current, or both, used to charge a battery |
| diode | a semiconductor device that allows current to pass through in only one direction |
| hybrid system | a system that comprised multiple power sources; the power sources may include photovoltaic, wind, micro-hydro generators, or engine-driven generators |
| insolation | the term used for the measure of solar radiation striking the earth’s surface at a particular time and place |
| inverter | equipment that is used to change voltage level or waveform, or both, of electrical energy; a device that changes DC input to an AC output; may also function as battery chargers that use alternating current from another source and convert it into direct current for charging batteries |
| irradiance | a measure of how much solar power is striking a specific location |
| irradiation | a measure of the total amount of solar energy accumulated on an area over a period of time |
| magnetic declination | the deviation of magnetic south from true south |
| maximum power point (MPP) | indicates the maximum output of the module and is the result of the maximum voltage (Vmp) multiplied by the maximum current (Imp) |
| module | a complete, environmentally protected unit consisting of solar cells, optics, and other components, exclusive of tracker, designed to generate DC power when exposed to sunlight |
| open circuit voltage (Voc) | the maximum voltage when no current is being drawn from the module |
| panel | a collection of modules mechanically fastened together, wired, and designed to provide a field-installable unit |
| photovoltaic system | a type of solar energy system that produces electricity directly from sunlight |
| photovoltaic system DC circuit | any DC conductor supplied by a PV power source, including PV source circuits, PV output circuits, DC-to-DC converter source circuits, or DC-to- DC converter output circuits. |
| qualified person | one who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and who also has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved |
| renewable energy | energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished; it includes sunlight and wind; this energy cannot be exhausted and is constantly renewed |
| short circuit current (Isc) | the maximum current output of a module under conditions of a circuit with no resistance (short circuit) |
| solar cell | the basic photovoltaic device that generates electricity when exposed to light |
| solar constant | a reference to the strength of the sun’s rays in space and in the earth’s atmosphere because it stays relatively constant |
| solar noon | the time during the day when the sun is at its highest point on earth |
| solar window | the area in the sky that is between the sun path of the winter solstice (December 21) and the sun path for the summer solstice (June 21) for the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| zenith | the minimum amount of atmosphere the sun’s rays have to go through when the sun is directly above an array |
