Glossary
Alternating current (AC): An electric current that periodically changes direction.
Asynchronous generator: A type of generator that produces AC power by using a rotating magnetic field to induce a current in the stator windings.
Base load: The minimum amount of electricity that a power plant or grid is designed to generate or consume on a continuous basis.
Boiler: A closed vessel in which water is heated to produce steam, which is then used to generate electricity in a steam turbine.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS): A process that captures carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other industrial sources and stores them underground, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere.
Condenser: A device that is used to condense steam or other vapor into a liquid, typically by cooling it.
Direct current (DC): An electric current that flows in a single direction.
Distribution grid: The network of high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines that delivers electricity from power plants to end users.
Electricity generation: The process of producing electricity from a primary energy source, such as coal, natural gas, or renewable energy.
Fossil fuel: A non-renewable energy source, such as coal, oil, or natural gas, formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago.
Fuel cell: A device that converts chemical energy into electricity through a chemical reaction.
Generator: A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by using a rotating magnetic field to induce a current in a conductor.
Geothermal energy: Energy produced by the heat of the Earth’s core, which can be harnessed to generate electricity or provide space heating and cooling.
Grid: A network of transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines that delivers electricity from power plants to end users.
Hydroelectric power: Electricity produced by the kinetic energy of falling water, which is used to turn a turbine and generate electricity.
Incineration: The process of burning waste materials to produce energy.
Inverter: A device that converts DC power into AC power.
Kilowatt (kW): A unit of electrical power equal to 1000 watts.
Megawatt (MW): A unit of electrical power equal to 1 million watts.
Nuclear energy: Energy produced through the process of nuclear fission, in which the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller particles, releasing energy.
Photovoltaic (PV) cell: A device that converts sunlight into electricity through the process of photovoltaics.
Power plant: A facility that generates electricity from a primary energy source, such as coal, natural gas, or renewable energy.
Renewable energy: Energy produced from sources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
Solar energy: Energy produced by the sun, which can be harnessed to generate electricity or provide heat.
Steam turbine: A device that converts the thermal energy of steam into mechanical energy, which can then be used to generate electricity.
Transmission grid: The network of high-voltage transmission lines that carries electricity from power plants to the distribution grid.
Turbine: A machine that converts the energy of a fluid, such as steam or water, into mechanical energy by using a rotor with blades or vanes.
Wind energy: Energy produced
Voltage: The electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit, expressed in volts.
Watt (W): A unit of electrical power, equal to the rate of energy transfer when one ampere flows through a resistance of one ohm.
Frequency: The number of cycles per second of an AC current, expressed in hertz (Hz).
Load: The electrical demand placed on a power system or device, typically measured in watts or megawatts.
Circuit breaker: A device that interrupts the flow of electricity in an electrical circuit in the event of an overload or short circuit.
Transformer: A device that converts AC electricity from one voltage to another, either by stepping it up or down.
Grid connection: The process of connecting a power plant or other electricity generator to the grid, allowing it to contribute to the overall electricity supply.
Energy storage: The process of storing electricity for later use, typically using batteries or other storage technologies.
Load shedding: The temporary reduction or interruption of electricity supply to certain customers in order to prevent an overload on the grid.
Load balancing: The process of adjusting the generation and distribution of electricity to match the demand for electricity on the grid.
Net metering: A system that allows individuals or businesses with small-scale renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
Peak demand: The highest level of electricity demand in a given period, typically occurring during hot summer afternoons or cold winter evenings.
Off-grid: A system of electricity generation and distribution that is not connected to the main grid.
On-grid: A system of electricity generation and distribution that is connected to the main grid.
Interconnection: The process of connecting two or more electrical systems, allowing them to exchange electricity.
Smart grid: An advanced electricity grid that uses digital technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of the grid, as well as to enable the integration of renewable energy sources.
Demand response: A program that allows utilities to adjust the electricity demand of large customers in response to changing supply and demand conditions on the grid.
Energy conservation: The practice of reducing energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient appliances and other measures.
Energy efficiency: The ability of a device or system to perform a given task with a minimum amount of energy.
Carbon dioxide emissions: Gases released into the atmosphere as a result of the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Greenhouse gases: Gases, such as carbon dioxide, that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Renewable portfolio standard (RPS): A policy that requires a certain percentage of electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources.
Smart meter: A digital meter that measures and records electricity usage in real-time, allowing utilities to more accurately bill customers and track grid performance.
Photovoltaic (PV) panel: An array of PV cells that are connected together and used to generate electricity.
Solar thermal power: A technology that uses the sun’s energy to generate electricity through the use of mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight and heat a fluid, which is then used to produce steam and turn a turbine.
Solar water heating: A system that uses the sun’s energy to heat water for domestic or commercial use.
Solar cell: A device that converts sunlight into electricity through the process of photovoltaics.
Photovoltaic effect: The phenomenon by which a material generates a voltage when exposed to light.
Solar radiation: The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, including visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and infrared radiation.
Solar module: A PV panel or group of panels that are mounted together and used to generate electricity.
Solar panel: A PV panel that is used to generate electricity.
Solar farm: A large-scale solar power plant, consisting of many solar panels or modules.
Solar array: An arrangement of solar panels or modules used to generate electricity.
Photovoltaic system: A system that uses PV panels or modules to generate electricity.
Solar energy system: A system that uses the sun’s energy to generate electricity or provide heat.
Solar power plant: A facility that generates electricity from solar energy.
Solar thermal collector: A device that absorbs solar radiation and converts it into heat, which can be used to generate electricity or provide hot water.
Solar energy storage: The process of storing solar energy for later use, typically using batteries or other storage technologies.
Photovoltaic installation: A system that uses PV panels or modules to generate electricity, typically installed on a rooftop or other suitable location.
Solar panel installation: An installation of solar panels used to generate electricity.
Solar energy installation: An installation of solar panels or other solar energy systems used to generate electricity or provide heat.
Solar power installation: An installation of solar panels or other solar energy systems used to generate electricity.
Solar panel system: A system that uses solar panels to generate electricity.
Solar energy system design: The process of designing a solar energy system to meet the specific energy needs of a building or facility.
Solar panel efficiency: The ability of a solar panel to convert sunlight into electricity, typically expressed as a percentage.
Solar panel output: The amount of electricity that a solar panel can produce under standard test conditions, typically measured in watts.
Solar panel power rating: The maximum power output of a solar panel, typically measured in watts.
Solar panel wattage: The power output of a solar panel, typically measured in watts.
Solar panel size: The physical dimensions of a solar panel, typically measured in square feet or square meters.
Solar panel weight: The weight of a solar panel, typically measured in pounds or kilograms.
Solar panel cost: The cost of purchasing and installing a solar panel, typically measured in dollars per watt.
Solar panel lifespan: The expected useful life of a solar panel, typically measured in years.
Solar panel warranty: A guarantee provided by the manufacturer of a solar panel, covering defects in materials or workmanship.
Solar panel degradation: The decrease in the efficiency of a solar panel over time, typically due to aging or environmental factors.
Solar panel efficiency decline: The decrease in the efficiency of a solar panel over time, typically due to aging or environmental factors.
Solar panel efficiency degradation: The decrease in the efficiency of a solar panel over time, typically due to aging or environmental factors.
Solar panel performance: The ability of a solar panel to generate electricity, typically measured in watts or kilowatts.
Solar panel performance ratio: The ratio of the actual electricity generated by a solar panel to the expected electricity generation, typically expressed as a percentage.
Solar panel performance warranty: A guarantee provided by the manufacturer of a solar panel, covering the performance of the panel over time.
Solar panel mounting: The process of attaching solar panels to a roof, wall, or other structure.
Solar panel mounting system: A structure or frame used to support solar panels and hold them in place.
Solar panel mounting hardware: The parts and equipment used to attach solar panels to a roof, wall, or other structure.
Solar panel racking: The process of attaching solar panels to a roof, wall, or other structure.
Solar panel racking system: A structure or frame used to support solar panels and hold them in place.
Solar panel racking hardware: The parts and equipment used to attach solar panels to a roof, wall, or other structure.
Solar panel installation cost: The cost of purchasing and installing a solar panel system, including the cost of the panels, mounting hardware, and any other equipment or labor required.
Solar panel installation time: The amount of time required to install a solar panel system, typically measured in hours or days.
Solar panel installation process: The steps involved in installing a solar
Solar panel installation instructions: Detailed instructions provided by the manufacturer or installer of a solar panel system, outlining the proper procedures for installing the panels.
Solar panel installation warranty: A guarantee provided by the manufacturer or installer of a solar panel system, covering defects in materials or workmanship during the installation process.
Solar panel installation maintenance: The ongoing care and upkeep of a solar panel system, including cleaning, inspection, and repairs as needed.