There are many words and phrases you might here when researching and shopping for solar panels. While it can be confusing sometimes, knowing these solar terms is important for anyone who is considering installing solar panels as it can help them make informed decisions about their solar energy system.
Understanding these terms can help a person evaluate the performance and efficiency of their system, compare different options and prices, and ensure that they are getting the most out of their investment. Additionally, knowledge of these terms can help a person navigate the installation process, communicate effectively with their solar installer or contractor, and understand the warranties and incentives available to them.
Ultimately, being familiar with these solar terms can help a person optimize their solar energy system, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint.
COMMON SOLAR TERMS
Ballast Mount: A ballast mount is a type of solar panel installation that involves securing the solar panels to the ground using weights or ballasts, rather than drilling holes into the roof or ground. Ballast mounts are a popular option for flat roofs.
Batteries and Energy Storage: Batteries and energy storage systems are devices that store excess energy generated by solar panels during the day and release it during peak demand periods, such as at night. These systems are crucial for grid-tied solar panel systems because they allow homeowners to use solar energy at night and during power outages.
Battery backup also allows for overnight EV charging, allowing EV owners to basically fuel their vehicles for free. Find more details about battery backup on our Home Battery Backup page. For more info about EV charging and to get a free battery backup quote, contact Green Ridge Solar today!
Battery Backup: A battery backup system is designed to provide power during a power outage or when the grid is down. A battery backup system can be charged by the solar panels during the day and provide power when the sun isn’t shining, during a power outage, or during periods of high demand.
Battery backup also allows for overnight EV charging, allowing EV owners to basically fuel their vehicles for free. Find more details about battery backup on our Home Battery Backup page. For more info about EV charging and to get a free battery backup quote, contact Green Ridge Solar today!
Capacity: Capacity refers to the amount of electricity that a battery can store. It is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is an important consideration when choosing a battery storage system.
Depth of Discharge (DoD): Depth of discharge refers to the percentage of a battery’s capacity that has been used. For example, if a battery has a capacity of 10 kWh and has been discharged by 5 kWh, its depth of discharge is 50%.
Energy/Utility Grid: The energy or utility grid refers to the network of power lines, transformers, and other equipment that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses.
EPC: EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, and refers to the process of designing, purchasing, and building a solar energy system. EPC firms are typically responsible for the entire process, from site assessment to commissioning, and may work with subcontractors for specific tasks such as electrical work and equipment installation.
Exposure: Exposure refers to the amount of sunlight that a solar panel or solar energy system receives. The greater the exposure, the more power solar panels can produce.
Ground Mount: A ground mount is a type of solar panel installation that involves mounting the solar panels on the ground, typically in a field or large open space. Ground mounts are a popular option for larger commercial solar installations.
Incentives: Incentives are programs or policies designed to encourage the adoption of solar panel systems. Examples of incentives include tax credits, rebates, and grants. Solar incentives are often provided by federal, state, and local agencies, as well as utilities and community organizations.
Read our Solar Incentives Guide to learn more about solar incentives and see if you qualify.
Interconnection: Interconnection refers to the process of connecting a solar panel system to the utility grid. It typically involves obtaining permits and passing inspection by the utility company.
Inverter: An inverter is an electronic device that is used to convert the DC electricity that is generated by solar panels into AC electricity that can be used by a home or business. There are several types of inverters, including string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers.
Read about the different types of inverters, as well as their pros and cons.
Kilowatt Hour (kWh): A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy used to measure electricity consumption or production over time. A solar panel system’s output is measured in kilowatts, and a kilowatt hour is the amount of energy produced by the system in one hour.
Learn how to calculate how many kWh of solar panels you need to power your home. You can also use our Solar Calculator to estimate your solar savings.
Microinverter: A microinverter is a type of inverter that is used in smaller solar energy systems. It is installed on each individual solar panel and converts the DC electricity generated by that panel into AC electricity. Other types of inverters are string inverters and power optimizers.
Read about the different types of inverters, as well as their pros and cons.
Monitoring: Solar panel monitoring involves tracking the performance of a solar panel system over time. This data can be used to optimize the performance of the system, identify issues, and ensure that the system is operating at maximum efficiency.
Mounting Hardware: Mounting hardware is the equipment used to attach solar panels to a building or structure. This may include rails, clamps, brackets, and other components that are designed to securely fasten the panels in place. Mounting hardware must be carefully selected to ensure that it is appropriate for the specific site and conditions, and that it can withstand the weight and forces associated with the solar panels.
Net Metering: Net metering is a billing arrangement in which a solar panel system owner is credited for any excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid. This credit can be used to offset the cost of electricity used from the grid when the solar panel system isn’t producing enough energy.
Learn more about Net Metering and how it can make or break solar energy in your area.
Optimizer: An optimizer is an electronic device that is used in a solar energy system to maximize the output of each individual solar panel. The optimizer ensures that each panel is operating at its maximum efficiency, even if some panels are shaded or covered by debris. Other types of inverters are string inverters and microinverters.
Read about the different types of inverters, as well as their pros and cons.
Off Grid: An off-grid solar panel system is a system that’s not connected to the utility grid. This type of system typically requires battery storage to store excess energy for use when the panels aren’t producing enough energy.
Payback Period: The payback period is the amount of time it takes for a solar panel system to pay for itself in energy savings. It’s calculated by dividing the upfront cost of the system by the annual energy savings.
Learn how to calculate your solar payback period. You can also use our Solar Calculator to estimate your savings.
Penetrations: Penetrations refer to the holes or openings made in a roof to install solar panel mounts. It’s important to minimize the number of penetrations to reduce the risk of leaks and other roofing issues. However, special flashings are used for solar panel racking that create a water-tight seal and prevent leaking.
Photovoltaic (PV): Photovoltaic (PV) refers to the technology used in solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. PV panels are made up of solar cells, which are composed of semiconductor materials that generate an electrical charge when exposed to sunlight. The electrical energy generated by the solar cells can be used directly, stored in batteries, or fed into the grid.
Price per Watt (PPW): Price per Watt (PPW) is a measure of the cost of a solar energy system, typically calculated by dividing the total cost of the system by its total power output in watts. It’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to install a solar energy system. However, it’s also important to consider other factors, such as quality of solar panels, warranties, workmanship, and customer service.
Product/Equipment Warranty: A product or equipment warranty is a guarantee that the solar panel system’s components are free from defects and will function properly for a specified period. If any defects or malfunctions occur during the warranty period, the manufacturer or installer will repair or replace the affected components.
Solar panels today often come with 10- to 25-year product warranties that guarantee their equipment will function as intended, be without defects, and stand up to certain physical and environmental conditions.
Power/Production Warranty: A power or production warranty guarantees that a solar panel system will produce a certain amount of energy over a specified period. If the system doesn’t meet the guarantee, the manufacturer or installer may repair or replace the panels.
Most solar panels today come with a 25- to 30-year production warranty guaranteeing 85% to 90% original energy production.
Roof Mount: A roof mount is a type of solar panel installation that involves mounting the solar panels on the roof of a building. Roof mounts are a popular option for residential solar installations.
Solar Analysis: A solar analysis is an assessment of the potential for solar energy generation at a particular site. The analysis takes into account a number of factors, such as the available sunlight, the angle of the sun throughout the day, and the shading of nearby buildings and trees. This information is used to determine the size and orientation of solar panels, as well as the expected energy output and financial returns from a solar installation.
Get your free solar analysis today. You can also estimate your solar savings by using our Solar Calculator.
Solar Array: A solar array is a collection of solar modules that are connected together to generate electricity from sunlight. Solar arrays can be installed on a roof, on the ground, on a solar canopy or carport, and even on the water.
Solar Canopy: A solar canopy is a structure that is built over an open area, such as a patio or parking area, using solar panels as the roof. It provides shade and shelter while generating electricity from sunlight.
Solar Carport: A solar carport is a structure that is built over a parking area, using solar panels as the roof. It provides covered parking while generating electricity from sunlight.
Solar Design: Solar design is the process of creating a detailed plan for a solar energy system. The design process typically includes a site assessment, which takes into account factors such as the available sunlight, shading, and the orientation of the building. The design may also specify the type and size of solar panels, mounting hardware, inverters, and other equipment required for the system, as well as the expected energy output and financial returns.
To get your free solar design, contact us today. Also try out our Solar Calculator.
Solar Installer: A solar installer is a company or professional who specializes in the installation of solar energy systems. Installers may work for solar energy companies or as independent contractors, and are responsible for assessing the site, designing the system, and installing the solar panels and associated equipment. Solar installers may also provide ongoing maintenance and support services for solar energy systems.
Solar Lease: A solar lease is a financing option that allows homeowners to lease a solar panel system instead of purchasing it outright. With a solar lease, homeowners typically pay a fixed monthly fee to use the system, and the leasing company maintains ownership of the system.
Solar Offset: Solar offset is a measure of the percentage of a home or business’s electricity needs that are met by solar energy. The higher the solar offset percentage, the more energy the solar energy system is producing and the greater the cost savings.
Solar Panel: A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electrical energy. Solar panels are made up of solar cells that are connected to form a module. Installing solar panels is a great way to generate clean, renewable energy while reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint.
Solar Panel Degradation: Solar panel degradation is the gradual reduction in a panel’s efficiency over time. It’s a natural occurrence and is typically caused by factors such as exposure to sunlight, weather conditions, and general wear and tear. Modern solar panels have much slower degradation and often come with production warranties. (see power/production warranties above)
Solar Panel Efficiency: Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how much sunlight a solar panel can convert into electricity. It’s expressed as a percentage, and the higher the efficiency, the more electricity the panel can produce.
Solar Railing: A solar railing is a type of mounting hardware used to secure solar panels to a roof. Solar railings are typically made of lightweight and durable materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and are designed to provide a secure and stable platform for the solar panels. The use of solar railings can help to reduce the risk of damage to the roof, and can also make it easier to install and maintain solar panels.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): SRECs are certificates that are earned when a solar panel system generates a certain amount of renewable energy. These certificates can be sold to utilities, who use them to meet their renewable energy goals.
Solar Shingle: A solar shingle is a type of solar panel that is designed to look like a traditional roofing shingle, blending in with the roof of a home or business. One of the best known solar shingles are made by Tesla, called the Tesla Roof. Learn more about Tesla Solar Roof Tiles.
Solar Tracker: A solar tracker is a device that is used to adjust the orientation of solar panels to follow the path of the sun throughout the day, which maximizes their exposure to sunlight and energy production. Learn more about solar trackers.
Solar Module: A solar module, also known as a photovoltaic module, is a collection of solar cells that are connected together to form a single unit. Solar modules are typically installed on a roof or other surface to generate electricity from sunlight.
String Inverter: A string inverter is a type of inverter that is used in larger solar energy systems. It converts the DC electricity generated by multiple solar panels that are connected together in a series, known as a string, into AC electricity. The other types of solar inverters are microinverters and power optimizers.
Read about the different types of inverters, as well as their pros and cons.
TSRF: TSRF stands for Total Solar Reflectance Factor, which is a measure of how much solar energy is reflected by a surface. This is an important consideration when designing and installing solar panels, as surfaces with a high TSRF can reflect a significant amount of solar energy, reducing the efficiency of the panels. TSRF is typically expressed as a percentage, with a higher percentage indicating a higher level of reflectance.
Turnkey: In the context of solar energy, a turnkey solution refers to a complete and fully functional solar energy system that is ready to be installed and operated. A turnkey solution may include solar panels, mounting hardware, inverters, and other equipment, as well as design and installation services. Turnkey solutions are designed to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers, who can simply purchase and install the system without needing to worry about sourcing components or hiring contractors.
Watt, Kilowatt, Megawatt, Gigawatt: A watt (W) is a unit of power, and it’s commonly used to measure the output of a solar panel. Kilowatt (kW) is equal to 1,000 watts and is a common measurement for residential solar panel systems. Megawatt (MW) is equal to 1,000 kilowatts and is a common measurement for commercial and utility-scale solar panel systems. Gigawatt (GW) is equal to 1,000 megawatts and is a large-scale measurement for solar panel systems.
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