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I

I-V curve = A graphical presentation plotting the current versus the voltage from the photovoltaic solar cell as the electrical load (or resistance) is increased from short circuit (no load) to the open circuit (maximum voltage). The shape of the curve characterizes the overall cell performance. Three important points to note on any IV curve are the short-circuit current, the open-circuit voltage and the peak or maximum power (operating) point.

Incident light = Light that shines onto the face of a solar cell or module.

Insolation = Shorthand term for ‘incident solar radiation’, insolation refers to either direct or diffuse sunlight. The solar power density incident on a surface of stated area and orientation, usually expressed as Watts per square meter or Btu per square foot per hour. Not to be confused with ‘insulation.’

Interconnect = A conductor within a module or other means of connection that supplies an electrical connection between the solar cells.

Interconnection = the process of hooking up a solar electrical system to the power grid.

Inverter = A fundamental part of any photovoltaic system, this electrical device converts direct current (DC) electricity (from batteries or solar arrays for example) into alternating current (AC) electricity as required for domestic use. Inverters work either for stand-alone systems when not connected to the grid, or for utility-interactive systems.

Irradiance = Measured in kilowatts, the total quantity of solar energy that hits a surface during a specific time period.

J

Junction box = The point on a solar module where it connects to other solar modules. An enclosure where PV strings are electrically connected and where protection devices can be located, if necessary.

Junction diode =  All solar cells act as junction diodes. Basically, a semiconductor device with a junction and a built-in potential that prefers to pass current in one direction rather than the other.

K

Kilowatt (kW) = A unit of electrical power equivalent to one thousand watts.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh) = A unit of energy equivalent to 1000 watts of power acting over a period of 1 hour. 1 kWh = 3600 kJ.

L

Life-cycle cost = The estimated total cost of owning, operating, and disposing of a photovoltaic system over its entire functional life.

Light-induced defects = Defects induced by exposure to light in an amorphous silicon semiconductor.

Light trapping = The effect of refracting and reflecting the light at critical angles is that the light is trapped inside a semiconductor material. Useful as trapped light will travel further in the material, thereby greatly increasing the likelihood of absorption and therefore of producing charge carriers.

Line-commutated inverter = An inverter tied to a power grid or line. The commutation of power (conversion from dc to ac) is managed by the power line, so that, if there were a failure in the power grid, the PV system could not feed power into the line.

Load = Anything that is connected to an electrical circuit and, when the circuit is turned on, draws power from that circuit. Usually expressed in terms of amperes or watts in reference to electricity.

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

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