Amp (Amperage)
The unit that measures the electrical current flow. Important for sizing wires and components like inverters and charge controllers to ensure they can handle the current safely.
Battery Bank
A group of batteries connected together to store the electrical energy produced by your solar panels for later use.
Capacity
The maximum amount of electrical power that a solar panel can produce at any given moment, often measured in watts (W).
Charge Controller
A device that regulates the voltage and current coming from solar panels to the batteries, preventing overcharging and improving battery lifespan.
Daily Production
The total amount of electricity that a solar panel produces in a day, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Direct Current (DC)
The type of electricity produced by solar panels and stored in batteries. It needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) for most household appliances.
Efficiency
The ratio of energy output to energy input, often expressed as a percentage. Higher efficiency panels convert more sunlight into electricity.
Grid-Tied
A solar system that is connected to the local electric grid, allowing for the sale of excess power back to the grid. Not applicable in an off-grid setup.
Inverter
A device that converts DC electricity from solar panels or batteries into AC electricity for use in standard household appliances.
Kilowatt (kW)
A unit of electrical power equivalent to 1,000 watts.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
A unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power expended for one hour.
Monocrystalline Panel
A type of solar panel made from a single crystal structure, offering high efficiency but usually at a higher cost.
Polycrystalline Panel
A type of solar panel made from multiple crystal structures, usually less efficient but also less expensive than monocrystalline panels.
Photovoltaic (PV)
The technology that converts light (photons) into electricity (voltage), which is the basis for solar power.
Solar Array
A collection of solar panels wired together to increase power capacity.
Solar Panel Efficiency
The measure of how well a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity. Often expressed as a percentage.
Thin-Film Panel
A type of solar panel made by depositing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate. Generally less efficient but more versatile than crystalline panels.
Voltage (V)
The electric potential between two points, important for matching solar panels, batteries, and inverters in a system.
Watt (W)
The basic unit of electrical power.
Watt-Hour (Wh)
A unit of energy equivalent to one watt of power expended for one hour.
Zero Load
A state where no electricity is being drawn from the solar power system.