Solar Glossary of Terms

clipped from www1.eere.energy.gov Are you interested in solar electricity, but not sure what "photovoltaic conversion efficiency" means? You're not alone. we prepared this glossary of terms. In it you will find definitions of many important terms having to do with electricity, power generation, concentrating solar power (CSP), solar heating, solar lighting, and solar electricity, also known as PV. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z Photovoltaic(s) (PV) — Pertaining to the direct conversion of light into electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) Cell — The smallest semiconductor element within a PV module to perform the immediate conversion of light into electrical energy (direct current voltage and current). Also called a solar cell. Photovoltaic (PV) System — A complete set of components for converting sunlight into electricity by the photovoltaic process, including the array and balance of system components.