Go Solar Power For Homes

C

Cell = the basic unit of a solar panel that converts light into solar power for homes (also known as ‘electricity’).

Cell barrier = A very thin region of static electric charge along the interface of the positive and negative layers in a photovoltaic cell that stops the movement of electrons from one layer to the other. Thereby, a voltage and current is created across the cell’s higher-energy electrons. Sometimes referred to as the depletion zone, space charge or cell junction.

Cell efficiency = The percentage level of electrical energy that a solar cell produces (under optimal conditions) as compared to the total amount of energy that hits the cell from the sun.

Cell junction = The area of immediate contact between the positive and negative layers of a photovoltaic cell. The cell junction is found at the center of the cell barrier or depletion zone.

Charge controller = The part of the PV system that regulates the state of the battery’s charge, controling the voltage applied to the battery system from the PV array. It controls the flow of current into and out of the battery and thereby protects the battery from overcharging and overdischarging. Sometimes the charge controller can also provide other system control functions. For example, it may also show the operational status of the photovoltaic system. The charge controller serves to ensure that the batteries maintain the maximum possible state of charge and the longest life.

Charge Rate = The amount of current needed for a battery to restore its energy capacity, ie to become fully charged or discharged. The rate refers to the battery’s charging to full capacity and within a designated time period. For example, the total current needed to charge a 100 ampere per hour battery from zero to full charge in five hours (20 amperes) is referred to as the battery’s C/5 rate.

Circuit = A set of conductors grouped into a system in order to convey electricity.

Circuit breaker = A safety device designed to switch off power when it senses a potential overload of electrical current.

Concentrator = A PV module that uses optical elements to increase the amount of sunlight landing on a PV cell. It tracks the path of the sun to capture direct sunlight (any diffuse portion cannot be optimally focused onto the PV cells). T the high heat this creates increases efficiency in the short term but normally will lead to a reduced lifespan fro the solar panels.

Concentrator array, module or collector = An set of PV cells (aka a PV array) arranged such that a lens or lenses, reflectors, mirrors or suchlike can concentrate the direct rays from the sun onto solar cells and thereby concentrate the solar energy striking any given area of solar panel. Good quality concentrators can multiply the power flux of sunlight by hundreds of times. They may reduce size of the solar panels needed bringing savings in materials and therefore overall costs.

Conductor = A material such as wiring that is designed to convey electricity.

Conversion efficiency = The percentage of electricity that is created by a solar cell as compared to the amount of energy needed to generate that electricity.

Current = Measured in amps, this is the flow of electricity between two points.

Current at Maximum Power (Imp) = The current at which maximum power is available from a module.

Cycle life = The number of charge to discharge cycles that a battery can tolerate under specified conditions before it fails to meet specified performance criteria.

D

DC to DC converter = Electronic circuit that converts DC voltages (PV module voltage) into other level voltages (load voltage). Can be part of a maximum power point tracker (MPPT).

Deep discharge = Discharging a battery to 20 percent or less of its full charge.

Depth of Discharge (DOD) = an alternate method to indicate the state of charge (SOC) in a battery or battery system. The DOD is the inverse of SOC. As one increases, the other decreases.

Diffuse insolation = The opposite of direct insolation, this is the level of sunlight received indirectly as a result of scattering due to clouds, fog, or other obstructions in the atmosphere.

Direct Current (DC) = a type of low voltage electrical current. DC electricity always flows in only one direction through electrical wires and can be produced by solar cells. Direct current must be converted into AC before it can be used in a house although it remains the most common form of electricity used in boats and RVs.

Direct insolation = The level of sunlight falling directly on solar panel.

Discharge rate = The rate in amperes or in time, at which electrical current can be taken from the battery.

Disconnect = Switch gear that connects or disconnects components in your solar power for homes system.

Duty Cycle = The ratio of active time to total time. This refers to the operating set up  of appliances or loads in your solar power for homes system.

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Info via: solar4power.com, homesolarpowersystems.org, sunwize.com and sunrunhome.com

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