The Energy provided by the sun is what we call as Solar energy. It is no more a rocket science for people who want to save their penny spent on electricity bills, especially during summers. Using sun’s energy and generating electricity out of it is among the world’s most useful inventions of the present era. Let us take one more step to understand this invention in a better way. Here are some of the commonly used Solar Terms which help us get to know solar energy.

1. Alternative energy– It is the energy which is generated in a manner that causes less damage to the environment because it is not much dependent on limited natural resources, precisely fossil fuels such as oil, coal or natural gas. Examples of alternative energy are solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectric.
2. Array Current– The electrical current generated by a photovoltaic array when it is exposed to sunlight.
3. Balance of system (BOS) – All of the other physical parts that are combined together to form a solar system outside of the panels. Examples: inverters, wiring, mounting hardware, monitoring system, etc.
4. Bidirectional Meter– It measures the inflow and outflow of electricity to and from the house; electricity produced by the system is first used to power the house, and then is sent to the electric grid in times of surplus.
5. Electrical (or electric or utility) grid– A well-interconnected network of equipment that provides electricity from suppliers to consumers. This grid’s infrastructure is made up of stations that produce electrical power; high-voltage transmission lines that carry power from far away sources to wherever the demand centres are; and distribution lines that builds a connection between the individual customers and the system.
6. Incident light– Light that shines right on the face of a solar cell or module and plays a crucial role in generating electricity.
7. Inverter– It converts the electricity produced in solar panels from DC to AC (alternating current), the type of current flow used both on the grid and in the house.
8. Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)–It is a measure of the energy output of a kilowatt-sized system for one hour. 1 kilowatt per hour = 1,000 watt-hours.
9. Net metering – When a grid-tied solar system produces more energy than required, the excess power is sent to the electrical grid to be redistributed wherever it is demanded or needed. This is called “back feeding” the grid. The energy sent is recorded by the net meter. Next, the net meter compares it to the energy received from the grid and charges the user according to local rates and rules. It is a convenient way to get benefit from the energy generated at home while staying connected to a reliable source of energy from the electric grid.
10. Photovoltaic (PV) system– It consists of a complete set of components which converts sunlight into electricity by the photovoltaic process, including the balance of system components and the array.
11. Solar noon– The specific time of the day, at a particular location, when the sun reaches its highest, apparent point in the sky.
12. Solar Photovoltaic Panel– It produces direct current (DC) electricity when photons of sunlight strike the panel’s surface.

Nowadays, high standards of living and increasing use of limited resources have generated the need to go solar as soon as possible. Invest in solar energy and change your life for better.

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