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» Resources » Glossary
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Glossary
Alternating Current (AC) - electric current in which direction of flow reverses at frequent, regular intervals. This is type of electric current provided by our utility.
Array – One or more modules fastened together for a desired voltage and fastened to some type of mounting structure.
Array Tilt Angle – Refers to the angle of your array from horizontal. Your array will produce the most amount of power when it is perpendicular to the sun. Therefore, the tilt angle of your array should be optimized based on your location.
Array Orientation – In the northern hemisphere, solar arrays are optimized if they are facing true south. The orientation of your array refers to the direction that your array is facing with reference to true south.
Direct Current (DC) – electric current that flows in one direction. This is the type of current provided by batteries and PV modules.
Insolation – a term to describe the amount of solar radiation striking a surface at a particular time and place. This is typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).
Kilowatt – equal to 1,000 watts. Refer to watts for additional info.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh) – equal to 1,000 Watt-hours. Refer to Watt-hours for additional info.
Magnetic Declination – The deviation of magnetic south from true south. Because the earth's magnetic field is not necessarily aligned with the earth's rotational axis, true south will vary from magnetic south depending on your location. In the United States, true south will vary up to 22º east or west of magnetic south. For Flagstaff, our declination is approximately 13º east of south, or 167º on your compass.
Module – a collection of photovoltaic cells arranged in series/parallel configuration in order to accomplish a desired voltage or amperage. They typically come in 12 or 24 Volt nominal configurations and produce anywhere from 1 to 300 watts.
Net-Metering - an agreement set up with your local utility that allows for an equal exchange of power. In a net-metering situation, the excess power produced by your photovoltaic system is pushed onto the utility grid. Your meter keeps track of this extra power, allowing you to draw from you stored “credits” at night or when you need extra power. Because this is an equal exchange, you are only billed for your net consumption at the end of the month. This situation allows a customer with a PV system to completely offset their utility bill minus any connection fees.
Peak Sun Hours – the number of hours per day when the solar insolation equals 1,000 watts per square meter (W/m²) or the equivalent of “noon sun” conditions. This provides an easy way to measure the energy received during total daylight hours for different locations.
Photovoltaics (PV) – Solar energy systems that produce electricity directly from sunlight.
Photovoltaic (PV) Cell – Thin discs or films of semiconductor material that produce electricity when exposed to sunlight.
Panel – Commonly used interchangeably with “module”. Refer for module for details.
String – Refers to multiple modules connected in series to accomplish a desired input voltage.
Tracking Array – A type of mounting structure that tracks the sun as it moves across the sky during the course
of the day. Also called a Tracking Mount. Tracking Arrays can be single axis (east to west) or dual axis (east to west
and north to south). These arrays are usually installed in your yard on a pole.
Watt(W) - a watt is a unit of electrical power equivalent to a current of one ampere under the pressure of one volt.
This indicates the rate at which something consumes or produces electrical energy. Watts can be calculated by
multiplying the Voltage by the Amperage. For example, a television consuming 2 amps at 120 Volts is consuming
240 watts of electricity:
120 Volts x 2 amps = 240 watts
Watt-hour (Wh) – a quantity of electrical energy consumed or produced equivalent to 1 Watt consumed or produced for 1 hour. For example, a 240 watt television running for 2 hours will consume 480 Watt-hours(Wh) of electricity.
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