Solar power

Solar power

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaics convert light into electric current using the photoelectric effect.

Industry: Energy

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Solar power

rated battery capacity

Energy; Solar power

The term used by battery manufacturers to indicate the maximum amount of energy that can be withdrawn from a battery under specified discharge rate and temperature. See battery capacity.

battery cell

Energy; Solar power

The simplest operating unit in a storage battery. It consists of one or more positive electrodes or plates, an electrolyte that permits ionic conduction, one or more negative electrodes or plates, ...

rated module current (A)

Energy; Solar power

The current output of a photovoltaic module measured at standard test conditions of 1,000 w/m2 and 25�C cell temperature.

battery cycle life

Energy; Solar power

The number of cycles, to a specified depth of discharge, that a cell or battery can undergo before failing to meet its specified capacity or efficiency performance criteria.

rated power

Energy; Solar power

Rated power of the inverter. However, some units can not produce rated power continuously. See duty rating.

battery energy capacity

Energy; Solar power

The total energy available, expressed in watt-hours (kilowatt-hours), which can be withdrawn from a fully charged cell or battery. The energy capacity of a given cell varies with temperature, rate, ...