| Cell |
A solar cell is the basic component in the manufacture of solar modules. Cells are manufactured from wafers. |
| CO2 |
An abbreviation for carbon dioxide. A pollutant created by power station production. With a solar power system, within a few years more CO2 is saved than was emitted for the production of the solar modules. |
| Grid Connected |
A “grid-connected” solar electric system generates its own electricity and feeds its excess power into the utility grid for later use. Only grid-connected solar electric systems are eligible for many incentives and rebates. |
| Inverter |
This is a complex electronic based power product that converts DC power into AC power and is required for solar power systems. |
| kWh |
An abbreviation for kilowatt hours. One kWh represents 1,000 watts over a period of one hour. Electricity rates are most commonly expressed in cents per kilowatt hour. |
| Module |
Describes a unit composed of several solar cells that can be electrically connected, encapsulated in tempered glass and framed. |
| Monocrystalline |
Silicon that is pulled as a single crystal. The internal crystalline structure is completely homogenous, which can be recognized by an even external coloring. |
| MW |
An abbreviation for megawatt. This term is used to measure the power of solar systems. 1 MW = 1,000 kW. |
| Net Metering |
Net-metering allows the solar electric system to send excess electricity back through the electric meter to the utility. The meter actually runs backwards! Your utility will credit the excess power produced at the same rate paid for electricity purchased. |
| Photovoltaics |
A physical effect causing a voltage to be generated across two electrical poles of a semiconductor plate and allowing current to flow when connected to a receiver. Photo (Greek) = photos: light; Volt = unit of electrical potential Voltage through light. |
| Polycrystalline |
This is a crystalline structure of silicon where several crystals form in a mold. Polycrystalline cells can be recognized by a visible grain, a “metal flake effect”. |
| Silicon |
The basic material used to make solar cells. It is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, after oxygen. |
| Stand-alone system |
When generated energy is stored in batteries and then subsequently used. These systems are not connected to the utility grid. |
| Wafer |
A sawn silicon disc, used as the starting point for manufacturing a solar cell. |
| On roof installation |
With this type of installation, the profiles are mounted above the roofing in order to fasten solar modules thereto. |
| Energyroof |
Special form of installation in which a frameless module is installed in a profile system. The surface resulting there from replaces the standard roof installation. The system is especially suitable for new buildings or roof renovations |
| Flat roof installation |
Installation method for photovoltaic solar power plants in which the modules are installed on flat roofs with the use of angle or telescoping constructions |
| kWp |
kW = kilowatt, the p means “peak” as peak performance. The “p” however does not show the peak performance but rather the maximum output according to standard test conditions (STC). |
| Slaved system |
See Tracker |
| STC (Standard Test Conditions) |
The standard test conditions are the conditions in which the power and voltage values of a module/cell are measured and entered in the data sheet. STC = 1000W/m², 25°C cell temperature, solar spectrum AM = 1,5. |
| Tracker |
Installation system for solar modules, which mechanically guides the mounted module field to follow the sun, in order to obtain a surplus, single axis systems rotate from east to west and double axis systems also take the elevation of the sun into consideration (Elevation). |
| Value added chain, solar |
The solar value added chain is characterized by the steps from sand/raw silicone to the completed photovoltaic solar module. |
| Degree of efficiency module/cell |
The degree of efficiency of a module/cell is defined as performance per surface. The degree of efficiency has no meaning in regards to the production of a module/cell. |
| Profitability |
The profitability of a photovoltaic solar power plant is calculated from the costs of the system and the feed in tariffs. With a roof slant of 30° and a southern orientation, the system pays for itself within approximately 12 – 14 years. |
