Utilities

Question 1

Billing period

Answer 1

The time frame that the bill is for

Question 2

Customer charge

Answer 2

A charge that every customer pays to be connected to the grid

Question 3

Distribution charges

Answer 3

Charges for getting power to the customer

Question 4

Generation charges

Answer 4

Charges to create the power customers use

Question 5

Fixed rate structure

Answer 5

A rate structure where every kWh is charged at the same price

Question 6

Tiered rate structure

Answer 6

A rate structure where higher usage results in higher prices

Question 7

Time of use rate structure

Answer 7

A rate structure where the time electricity is used determines the price.

Question 8

Levelized billing

Answer 8

A month-to-month option for customers to pay the utility a flat rate and are either entitled to a refund or to settle up at the end.

Question 9

Regulated vs deregulated markets

Answer 9

In deregulated markets, customers can shop around for their electric supplier.

Question 10

Overall kWh rate

Answer 10

A calculation of the true price of electricity when distribution and generation charges are considered.

Question 11

String inverter

Answer 11

Connects to multiple solar panels and can only perform as well as its lowest performing panel. So if a panel is experiencing an obstruction, every other panel connected to that inverter will produce at a diminished capacity.

Question 12

Micro inverters

Answer 12

Small inverters that are placed on the back of each solar panel. Installing the inverters this way insures that each panel is performing optimally. this method distributes the workload so that the system can have a lower standing energy capacity, making them safer for installers and firefighters.

Question 13

Power optimizers and a central inverter

Answer 13

Like micro inverters these devices go on the back of each panel. However they don’t convert the energy, but condition it before sending it to the central inverter.

Question 14

Essential backup

Answer 14

A single battery to power a home during an outage

Question 15

Whole- home backup

Answer 15

Typically requires multiple batteries, but can back up heavier loads. Eg. Air conditioners

Question 16

Conduit

Answer 16

Wiring held in metal tubing or conduit, connects all the parts of the system so energy can flow from panels to other system components.

Question 17

Racking

Answer 17

Secure the panels to the roof

Question 18

Ac disconnect

Answer 18

Systems will shut down automatically in the event of a shit down.

Question 19

Main service panel (breaker bow)

Answer 19

Where electricity enters the home.

Question 20

Net meter

Answer 20

Tracks power given/taken by the electric company

Question 21

Net metering

Answer 21

The program where the utility credits them for extra power sent back into the grid

Question 22

Sun hour

Answer 22

A measure of solar radiation from the sun defined as 1000 watts of energy shining on 1 sq meter of surface for 1 hr

Question 23

Netting period

Answer 23

The timeframe over which net metering credits can be accumulated and used

Question 24

True up

Answer 24

Remaining credits are cashed out or lost at the end of the netting period.

Question 25

One-to-one credit

Answer 25

The customer receives full credit for every kWh of overproduction.

Question 26

Monetary credit

Answer 26

The kWhs sent to the grid equals a specific monetary amount which varies by utility. In some utilities, this credit counts against electricity taken from the grid at other times.

Question 27

Full net metering

Answer 27

Allows customers to balance kWh consumed from the utility with solar produced by their panels throughout the year.

Question 28

Credit

Answer 28

Value of solar produced kWh = value of utility produced kWh