Glossary 1

Question 1

Alternating Current (A/C)

Answer 1

60 Cycle Electricity. Electricity that changes polarity & direction 60 times per second.

Question 2

Alternative energy

Answer 2

Energy produced by alternative means (other than w/ fossil fuels) like Solar, Wind, Bio Fuels, etc…

Question 3

Ambient

Answer 3

The prevailing temperature, usually outdoors.

Question 4

Ampere

Answer 4

Instantaneous measure of the flow of electric current. Abbreviated & more commonly stated as “AMP”

Question 5

Amp-Hour

Answer 5

A one-amp flow of electrical current for one hour; a measure of electrical quantity. (2-60 Watt 120 volt bulbs burning for 1 hour consume 1 amp-hour)

Question 6

Angle of Incidence

Answer 6

Angle at which a ray of light strikes a planar surface (PV Module)

Question 7

Angle of Inclination

Answer 7

The desired angle that a PV array should be mounted

Question 8

Anti Islanding

Answer 8

Feature built in to modern inverters that prevents current from the array from being supplied to the grid in case of grid outage.

Question 9

Array

Answer 9

A collection of electrically connected photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Question 10

Array Current

Answer 10

The electrical current produced by a PV array when exposed to sunlight.

Question 11

Base Load

Answer 11

The average amount of electric power that utility must supply.

Question 12

Battery

Answer 12

A device that converts the chemical energy contained in its active materials directly into electrical energy by means of an electrochemical reaction.

Question 13

Deep-Cycle Battery

Answer 13

A battery w/ large plates that can w/stand many discharges to a low SOC (State of Charge)

Question 14

Lead-Acid Battery

Answer 14

A General Category that includes batteries w/ plates made of pure lead, lead antimony, or lead-calcium immersed in an acid electrolyte.

Question 15

Nickel Cadmium Battery

Answer 15

A battery containing nickel & cadmium plates & an alkaline electrolyte.

Question 16

Sealed Battery

Answer 16

A battery w/ a captive electrolyte & resealing vent cap, also called a Valve Regulated Battery. Electrolyte cannot be added to a sealed battery.

Question 17

State of Discharge (SOD)

Answer 17

Battery state when supplying stored power to a circuit.

Question 18

British Thermal Unit (BTU)

Answer 18

The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit