Solar terminology – Get started on the path of solar education with the first of our multi-part Live series

The first steps to solar are usually steep ones; riddled with strange concepts and unexplained terms.  We’re here to help you along the way! Don’t let those solar companies confuse you and leave you without explanation. Watch this first video of our multi-part live series on the solar process, starting with some of the more frequently asked questions when it comes to solar technology and the terminology that comes with it. Of course this isn’t everything, but it’s the first steps down a path of saving money and helping the environment.

Photovoltaic (PV) – PV technologies convert sunlight to electricity through a naturally occurring process in certain types of material, which are called semiconductors. When photons (energy particles) from the sun hit semiconducting materials such as silicon, electrons are knocked free from their atoms. If conductors are attached to the positive and negative sides of a solar cell, it forms an electrical circuit. When electrons flow through such a circuit, they generate electricity, powering electrical devices or sending electricity to the grid.

Net metering – When a grid-tied solar system produces more energy than is needed, the excess power is sent to the electrical grid to be redistributed where it’s needed. This is called “back feeding” the grid. At night, the grid will provide conventionally created power for the solar customer’s use. A net meter records the energy sent compared to the energy received from the grid and credits or charges the user according to local rates and rules. Forty-four states currently offer net metering or some variation of it.

Micro-inverter – The introduction of micro-inverters is one of the biggest technology shifts in the photovoltaic (PV) industry. Placed on the back of each solar panel, a micro-inverter optimizes energy production for each individual solar panel, not just for an entire solar system, as central inverters do. This enables every solar panel to perform at its maximum potential. It means one underperforming solar panel won’t drag down the performance of entire solar array, as opposed to central inverters that optimize for the weakest link. (See also photovoltaic.)

Interconnection agreement – A contract between the homeowner and the local utility allowing the homeowner to connect their solar power system to the electric grid. In some areas, this enables the homeowner to receive a credit on their electricity bill from the utility for any surplus electricity their solar power system generates. (See also net metering.)

Degradation – term used to describe the decline in output that all solar panels experience over time.

Solar monitoring – Specialized software used to track and manage energy generation and usage, billing, carbon offsets and more; can be accessed via a mobile device, home computer or a remote operations center.

Tracker – Mounting hardware used in power plant installations enabling solar panels to move and follow the sun throughout the day, increasing solar electricity production. (See ground- mounted solar.)

Solar carports – Solar panel arrays that are raised above parking lots to provide both shade and energy production.

Solar Thermal – The process of concentrating sunlight to create high temperatures that are needed to heat fluids, like water (solar hot water) or to vaporize fluid to drive a turbine for electric power generation

Zero net energy — Zero net energy (ZNE) (also referred to as net zero energy) identifies homes or buildings that generate as much energy as they consume, usually via a combination of green building techniques that include a solar energy system.