Agri-PV:
The use of photovoltaic systems in combination with agricultural practices
Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell (a-Si):
A thin-film solar cell that uses non-crystalline silicon, commonly applied in consumer electronics and small-scale applications
Bifacial Solar Cell:
Solar cells that can capture light from both sides, increasing energy output compared to traditional solar cells
Cadmium Telluride Solar Cell (CdTe):
A thin-film solar cell technology that uses cadmium telluride as the semiconductor material, known for its low production costs
CIGS/Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide Solar Cell:
A thin-film solar cell that uses a combination of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium as the semiconductor material, offering a good balance between efficiency and cost
Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV):
A technology that uses lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto a smaller, highly efficient solar cell
Dual-Axis Tracker:
A tracking system that moves solar panels on two axes to optimize sunlight exposure throughout the day
Float Zone (FZ):
A manufacturing process for ultra-pure monocrystalline silicon, widely used in photovoltaics and microelectronics
HJT (Heterojunction Technology):
A solar cell technology combining amorphous and crystalline silicon layers to achieve higher efficiencies
IBC (Interdigitated Back Contact):
An advanced solar cell technology where all electrical contacts are placed on the rear side of the cell, maximizing efficiency by reducing front-side energy loss
Inverter:
A device that converts the direct current (DC) generated by solar cells into alternating current (AC) for household or commercial use
Maximum Power Point (MPP):
The point on a solar cell or module’s current-voltage (I-V) curve where it operates at maximum efficiency and power output
Monocrystalline Solar Cell:
A solar cell made from a single crystal structure, known for its high efficiency
Net Metering:
A billing mechanism that allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid
Organic Solar Cell:
Solar cells based on organic molecules or polymers, which are potentially low-cost and flexible but currently have lower efficiencies
PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell):
A technology that passivates the rear side of a solar cell to enhance its efficiency
Perovskite Solar Cell:
An emerging technology using perovskite materials, such as methylammonium lead iodide, which has high efficiency potential and is relatively inexpensive to produce
Photovoltaic (PV) Cell:
A material that directly converts sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect
Polycrystalline Solar Cell:
A solar cell made from multiple crystal structures, offering lower costs but slightly reduced efficiency compared to monocrystalline cells
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):
A long-term agreement between a power generator and a consumer to purchase solar power at a fixed price
PV Storage:
Systems that store solar power in batteries to increase self-consumption
Shingled Solar Cells:
A technology where solar cells are arranged in an overlapping pattern to improve efficiency and save space
Solar Efficiency:
The percentage of sunlight converted into usable electrical energy by a solar cell or module
Solar Irradiance:
The power per unit area received from the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation
Solar Module:
An array of solar cells used to generate electricity from sunlight
Solar Spectrum:
The distribution of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, ranging from infrared to ultraviolet wavelengths
Tandem Solar Cells:
Solar cells made of multiple layers of different materials with varying band gaps, stacked to better utilize the solar spectrum and achieve higher efficiencies
Topcon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact):
A solar cell technology that passivates both the front and rear sides of the cell with a thin oxide layer, reducing resistance and improving efficiency
Utility-Scale Solar Farm:
A large solar power system designed to generate electricity for the grid, often spanning several acres