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Solar Terms Glossary 📖
Solar Terms Glossary 📖

Welcome to the world of solar energy! ☀️ Understanding common solar terms will help you navigate your solar journey and make informed decisions about your system.

Updated this week

1. Photovoltaic (PV)

The technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar panels.

2. Solar Panel

A device made of solar cells that converts sunlight into electrical energy.

3. Solar Array

A group of connected solar panels working together to generate electricity.

4. Electrical Grid

A network of power lines and infrastructure that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses.

5. Grid-tied System

A solar power system connected to the local utility grid, allowing homeowners to use electricity from the grid when the solar system is not generating enough power.

6. Off-grid System

A solar power system independent of the utility grid, typically relying on batteries for energy storage.

7. Inverter

Equipment that converts direct current (DC) electricity from solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity for home use. Learn more about converter capacity here.

8. Net Metering

A billing system that credits solar system owners for excess electricity they send back to the grid.

9. Kilowatt (kW)

A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. Solar systems are often measured in kilowatts.

10. Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

A measure of electrical energy equal to one kilowatt used for one hour. This is how your energy consumption and solar production are typically billed.

11. Solar Lease

An agreement where you pay a fixed monthly fee to lease solar panels rather than buying them outright.

12. Solar Incentives

Financial benefits including tax credits, rebates, and grants offered by governments to homeowners who purchase solar systems.

13. Solar Monitoring

A system that tracks your solar installation's performance and energy output in real-time through a mobile app or website.

14. Energy Storage

Battery systems that store excess solar electricity for later use, especially during outages or peak usage times.

15. Efficiency Rating

The percentage measure of how well a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity.

16. Soiling

Accumulation of dirt, dust, pollen, or other debris on solar panels, reducing their efficiency and energy production.


If you have additional questions, please contact our Customer Experience Team through your Palmetto app or via chat at help.palmetto.com.

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