Solar Glossary — Solar Energy Terms & Definitions

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Understand solar energy terminology with our comprehensive glossary. Browse terms by category or search for specific definitions.

Solar Energy: Energy produced by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity or heat using photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems.
Photovoltaic (PV): Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials in solar cells.
Solar Panel: A device made up of photovoltaic cells that converts sunlight into electricity. Also called a solar module.
Inverter: A device that converts direct current (DC) electricity from solar panels into alternating current (AC) used by homes and businesses.
Net Metering: A billing arrangement where excess solar electricity sent to the grid earns credits on your utility bill.
Battery Storage: Systems that store excess solar energy in batteries for use when the sun isn't shining or during power outages.
Off-Grid System: A solar power system not connected to the utility grid, operating independently with battery storage.
Microgrid: An independently controlled energy system that can operate connected to or independently from the main grid.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC): A 30% federal tax credit for the cost of solar panel installation, directly reducing your tax liability.
Net Energy Metering (NEM): California's policy allowing solar customers to receive credit for excess energy sent to the grid.
Peak Sun Hours: The number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 watts per square meter—the standard for rating solar panel output.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): A unit of energy equal to using 1,000 watts for one hour. Used to measure electricity consumption and solar production.
Microinverter: A small inverter installed on each individual solar panel, optimizing output per panel and reducing the impact of shading.
NABCEP Certification: The gold standard certification for solar professionals, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
Payback Period: The time it takes for energy savings to equal the initial cost of a solar system, typically 7-10 years in California.

View all solar terms and definitions on this page.