SOLAR GLOSSARY - Success Solar Group

Learning the basics of solar energy and solar power can be tricky. What is photovoltaic and how does solar power work? These are great questions that any person truly interested in solar energy for their home or office would ask. Below are some of the basic principles and terms of solar energy and photovoltaic properties....

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Term Used	Definition	More Info
active solar energy	are employed to convert solar energy into usable light, heat, cause air-movement for ventilation or cooling, or store heat for future use. Active solar uses electrical or mechanical equipment, such as pumps and fans, to increase the usable heat in a system.
alternative solar energy	alternative energy converted from solar power.
amorphous silicon photovoltaic	Thin-film amorphous Silicon (a-Si) solar cells are gaining momentum in the market place. Amorphous Silicon cells use layers of a-Si only a few micrometers thick, attached to an inexpensive backing such as glass, flexible plastic, or stainless steel. This means that they use less than 1% of the raw material (silicon) compared standard crystalline Silicon (c-Si) cells, leading to a significant cost saving.
bp solar	BP Solar is a global company that designs, manufactures and markets technology to harness the sun's energy, producing solar power for electricity in homes.
canrom photovoltaics	Canrom is a Canadian based manufacturer of solar cells, systems, and related products, for home, industrial, and custom uses.
cigs photovoltaic	CIGS is mainly used in photovoltaic cells (CIGS cells), in the form of polycrystalline thin films. Unlike the silicon cells based on a homojunction, the structure of CIGS cells is a more complex heterojunction system. The best efficiency achieved as of December 2005 was 19.5%.
concentrated solar power	Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems use lenses or mirrors to focus a large area of sunlight onto a small area. Electrical power is produced when the concentrated light is directed onto photovoltaic surfaces or used to heat a transfer fluid for a conventional power plant.
cost of solar panels	the cost of solar panels varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Use http://www.successsolargroup.org to find the best prices on solar panels.
cost of solar power	the cost of solar power involves more than just the cost of the panels. Let Success Solar Group find you the best deal on the cost of solar power.
diy solar	Do It Yourself Solar Panels. Let Success Solar Group help you get started.
first solar	First Solar is the largest manufacturer of thin film solar modules, having expanded manufacturing capacity to an annualized run rate of 53.4MW per line in the 4th quarter of 2009. By enabling clean, renewable electricity at lower costs, First Solar is providing a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources.
flexible photovoltaic	photovoltaic film that is durable yet flexible.
flexible solar panels	solar panels that are extremely durable and can withstand most weather conditions. These panels are also extremely flexible.
home solar panels	solar panels for your home.
home solar power systems	solar power systems, including the solar panels for a home.
how does solar power work	PV cells have one or more electric field that acts to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off for external use, say, to power a calculator. This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce.
installing solar panels	interested in installing solar panels on your home or office? Click learn more and let Success Solar Group help you get started.
kyocera photovoltaic	Kyocera began researching photovoltaics in 1975 and has installed thousands of systems throughout the world since 1978. These systems are ideal for charging storage batteries to power remote homes, recreational vehicles, boats, telecommunications systems and other consumer and commercial applications.
kyocera solar panels	solar panels made available by Kyocera.
organic photovoltaics	An organic photovoltaic cell (OPVC) is a photovoltaic cell that uses organic electronics--a branch of electronics that deals with conductive organic polymers or small organic molecules[1] for light absorption and charge transport.
passive solar	Passive Solar technologies are means of using sunlight for useful energy without use of active mechanical systems (as contrasted to active solar).
photovoltaic	(PVs) are arrays of cells containing a Solar photovoltaic material that converts solar radiation into direct current electricity.
photovoltaic advantages	•Electricity produced by solar cells is clean and silent. Because they do not use fuel other than sunshine, PV systems do not release any harmful air or water pollution into the environment, deplete natural resources, or endanger animal or human health. •Photovoltaic systems are quiet and visually unobtrusive. •Small-scale solar plants can take advantage of unused space on rooftops of existing buildings. •PV cells were originally developed for use in space, where repair is extremely expensive, if not impossible. PV still powers nearly every satellite circling the earth because it operates reliably for long periods of time with virtually no maintenance. •Solar energy is a locally available renewable resource. It does not need to be imported from other regions of the country or across the world. This reduces environmental impacts associated with transportation and also reduces our dependence on imported oil. And, unlike fuels that are mined and harvested, when we use solar energy to produce electricity we do not deplete or alter the resource. •A PV system can be constructed to any size based on energy requirements. Furthermore, the owner of a PV system can enlarge or move it if his or her energy needs change. For instance, homeowners can add modules every few years as their energy usage and financial resources grow. Ranchers can use mobile trailer-mounted pumping systems to water cattle as the cattle are rotated to different fields.
photovoltaic basics	A photovoltaic (PV) or solar cell is the basic building block of a PV (or solar electric) system. An individual PV cell is usually quite small, typically producing about 1 or 2 watts of power. To boost the power output of PV cells, we connect them together to form larger units called modules. Modules, in turn, can be connected to form even larger units called arrays, which can be interconnected to produce more power, and so on. In this way, installers can build PV systems able to meet almost any electric power need, whether small or large. PV systems can be classified into two general categories: flat-plate systems or concentrator systems. By themselves, modules or arrays do not represent an entire PV system. We also need structures to put them on that point them toward the sun, and components that take the direct-current electricity produced by modules and "condition" that electricity, usually by converting it to alternate-current electricity. We might also want to store some electricity, usually in batteries, for later use. All these items are referred to as the "balance of system" (BOS) components. Combining modules with the BOS components creates an entire PV system. This system is usually everything we need to meet a particular energy demand, such as powering a water pump, or the appliances and lights in a home, or, if the PV system is large enough, all the electrical requirements of a whole community.
photovoltaic batteries	batteries that harness the power of photovoltaic properties.
photovoltaic cells	Photovoltaic cells produce electricity directly from sunlight
photovoltaic cells cost	use the learn more link to find up to date photovoltaic cells cost.
photovoltaic cells for sale	find photovoltaic cells for sale with Success Solar. Click learn more to get started.
photovoltaic cost	get the lowest photovoltaic cost associated with solar panels from Success Solar. Click learn more now.
photovoltaic efficiency	Photovoltaic Efficiency is an extremely important factor in your decision to install solar power in your home or business. That means that you have to be really careful about how much you spend to install it. If you spend too much up front, it will take you forever to get your money back in power company savings. Fortunately, there are several ways to gain Photovoltaic Efficiency in your solar installation. If you want to make out like a bandit and get yourself totally off the power grid with your solar electric panels, here's your opportunity. CLick learn more to get started.
photovoltaic electricity	the use of an electric current through photovoltaic energy.
photovoltaic energy	energy produced from photovolatic cells.
photovoltaic film	As PV technology has advanced, a new type of PV material has begun to be used, namely photovoltaic film. This film has the same function as the traditional PV cell, but with a construction that makes it flexible and much more versatile.
photovoltaic generator	A Photovoltaic Generator will soon be in many peoples home. Also known as Solar Generators, Photovoltaic Generators are able to harness the clean unlimited power of the sun. You can power your home with a Photovoltaic Generator and even sell power back to the utility company. Or if you choose you can live in a rural area and get off the grid. Solar Power and Photovoltaic Generators are the future.
photovoltaic grid	Photovoltaic Grid-Interactive systems use the light available from the sun to generate electricity and feed this into the main electricity grid. These systems differ from a 'Stand Alone' or 'Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) system in that there are no batteries to store the energy produced. The houses are connected to the 240V electricity mains and use the same appliances as found in other houses. If at a particular moment in time more power is being produced than is required in the house, the extra power is sent back onto the grid to be used by neighbouring households. At night or when there is insufficient power being produced to supply the households needs, electricity is drawn from the grid in the same manner other households do.
photovoltaic home	a home powered by photovoltaic energy. Get your photovoltaic home today.
photovoltaic industry	As of October 2009, the largest photovoltaic power plant in North America is the 25 MW DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Florida. The plant consists of over 90,000 solar panels.
photovoltaic installers	find great photovoltaic installers here. Click learn more to get started.
photovoltaic inverters	A Solar inverter or PV inverter is a type of electrical inverter that is made to change the direct current (DC) electricity from a photovoltaic array into alternating current (AC) for use with home appliances and possibly a utility grid.
photovoltaic lights	lights powered through the use of photovoltaic energy.
photovoltaic manufacturers	manufacturers of photovoltaic panels and associated products. Some companies like BP, Canon Inc, Canrom, Kyocera, Ersol, First Solar LLC, GE (solar division), Mitsubishi Electric, Sanyon, Sharp and Solar International Inc. are some of the more popular photovoltaic manufacturers.
photovoltaic panels	Cells require protection from the environment and are usually packaged tightly behind a glass sheet. When more power is required than a single cell can deliver, cells are electrically connected together to form photovoltaic modules, or solar panels.
residential solar power	solar power for a residential dwelling or domicile. As in a residential solar powered house.
solar electricity	The three most common types of solar-electric systems are grid-intertied, grid-intertied with battery backup, and off-grid (stand-alone). Each has distinct applications and component needs.
solar energy	Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available renewable energy on earth. Only a minuscule fraction of the available solar energy is used.
solar energy company	www.successsolargroup.com
solar energy cost	get the lowest solar energy cost associated with solar energy from Success Solar. Click learn more now.
solar energy facts	visit solarbuzz.com for interesting solar facts.
solar energy panels	Cells require protection from the environment and are usually packaged tightly behind a glass sheet. When more power is required than a single cell can deliver, cells are electrically connected together to form photovoltaic modules, or solar energy panels.
solar energy photovoltaic cells	Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electricity. The photovoltaic effect refers to photons of light knocking electrons into a higher state of energy to create electricity. The term photovoltaic denotes the unbiased operating mode of a photodiode in which current through the device is entirely due to the transduced light energy. Virtually all photovoltaic devices are some type of photodiode.
solar energy systems	complete systems used to power a home or office through solar energy.
solar equipment	visit www.successsolargroup.com for the best solar equipment available today.
solar generators	generators used to collect energy by way of solar power.
solar heaters	heaters used to heat water and homes through solar power.
solar heating panels	heating panels used to heat water and homes through solar power.
solar heating systems	complete systems used to power a home or office through solar energy.
solar homes	homes powered by solar electricity.
solar hot water heaters	water heaters used to heat water through solar power.
solar hot water panels	solar panels used to heat water through solar power.
solar hot water systems	complete systems used to heat water through solar power.
solar house	a house powered by solar energy. Got questions? Click learn more.
solar installation	the process of installing solar energy to a unit, possibly a solar home or solar office by way of solar panels.
solar installers	looking for solar installers? Try www.successsolargroup.org for the highest quality solar installers and solar contractors available.
solar inverters	A Solar inverter or PV inverter is a type of electrical inverter that is made to change the direct current (DC) electricity from a photovoltaic array into alternating current (AC) for use with home appliances and possibly a utility grid.
solar kits	complete systems used to power a home or office through solar energy.
solar lantern	lanterns that trap solar energy and can be used at night.
solar lights	lights powered through the use of solar energy.
solar modules	Cells require protection from the environment and are usually packaged tightly behind a glass sheet. When more power is required than a single cell can deliver, cells are electrically connected together to form photovoltaic/solar modules, or solar panels.
solar panel cost	get the lowest solar panel cost associated with solar panels from Success Solar. Click learn more now.
solar panel efficiency	Photovoltaic Efficiency is an extremely important factor in your decision to install solar power in your home or business. That means that you have to be really careful about how much you spend to install it. If you spend too much up front, it will take you forever to get your money back in power company savings. Fortunately, there are several ways to gain Photovoltaic Efficiency in your solar installation. If you want to make out like a bandit and get yourself totally off the power grid with your solar electric panels, here's your opportunity. CLick learn more to get started.
solar panel installation	the process of installing solar panels to a residential home or commercial building to reduce the cost of electricity.
solar panel installers	find great solar panel installers ar www.successsolargroup.org.
solar panel kits	complete systems used to power a home or office through solar energy.
solar panel prices	find the lowest solar panel prices for homes at www.successsolargroup.org.
solar panel systems	complete systems used to power a home or office through solar energy.
solar panels	Cells require protection from the environment and are usually packaged tightly behind a glass sheet. When more power is required than a single cell can deliver, cells are electrically connected together to form photovoltaic modules, or solar panels.
solar panels for homes	panels for homes that can be applied to trap the suns energy (solar energy) and provide electricity throught the home, reducing the cost of electricity each month and saving the environment.
solar panels for sale	interested in solar panels for sale? Visit SuccessSolarGroup.org for the all your solar panel needs.
solar panels prices	everybody knows the lowest solar panel prices are found here. Click learn more to get started.
solar panels	see solar panels. (above)
solar photovoltaic cells	Solar Photovoltaic cells produce electricity directly from sunlight
solar photovoltaic modules	A photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel is a packaged interconnected assembly of photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells. The photovoltaic module, known more commonly as the solar panel, is then used as a component in a larger photovoltaic system to offer electricity for commercial and residential applications.
solar photovoltaic systems	complete systems used to power a home or office through solar energy.
solar photovoltaic technology	technology derived from solar photovoltaic properties.
solar photovoltaics	(PVs) are arrays of cells containing a Solar photovoltaic material that converts solar radiation into direct current electricity.
solar pool	a pool system completely self contained and powered by the sun.
solar pool heating	the process of heating a swimming pool with solar power. This is more efficient way of producing heat and is extremely cost effective.
solar power	Solar power is the generation of electricity from sunlight. This can be direct as with photovoltaics (PV), or indirect as with concentrating solar power (CSP), where the sun's energy is focused to boil water which is then used to provide power.
solar power cost	find low solar power cost with Success Solar Group.
solar power electricity	electricty derived from solar power.
solar power energy	energy derived from solar power, the energy harnessed from the suns rays.
solar power kits	complete systems used to power a home or office through solar energy.
solar power panels	panels that can be as tiny as a fingernail or as large as a house used to collect solar energy and provide electricity.
solar power products	you have found the most comprehensive solar products website, Success Solar Group. Click Learn More to find products.
solar power systems	complete systems used to power a home or office through solar energy.
solar powered generator	generators used to collect energy by way of solar power.
solar products	you have found the most comprehensive solar products website, Success Solar Group. Click Learn More to find products.
solar pv	term used for solar photovoltaic (solar PV).
solar rebates	incentives that many local governments offer for home owners using solar energy.
solar residential	residential energy used for electricity powered by solar cells.
solar roof	a roof with solar power.
solar roof tiles	tiles custom fitted to residential and commercial roofs that produce solar energy.
solar shower	shower designed to provide hot water through solar power.
solar technology	technology of or relating to the use of solar energy or solar power.
solar thermal energy	energy produced from solar thermal technology.
solar thermal power	power derived from solar thermal energy systems.
solar thermal systems	thermal systems used to produce thermal energy converted from solar energy.
solar water heaters	water heaters that derive power from solar energy.
solar water heating systems	complete systems used to heat water through solar power.
solar water pump	water pumps powered by solar energy.
thin film photovoltaics	Although thin-film silicon solar cells do not have conversion efficiencies as high as most competing technologies, they offer compelling capabilities in terms of cost per kilowatt hour of energy. Thin-film technology, along with semiconductor and flat panel know-how, will help the solar industry reach the coveted grid parity.
used solar panels	looking for the best deals on used solar panels? Try contacting Success Solar Group.

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SOLAR GLOSSARY - Success Solar Group