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

cathodic protection

Energy; Solar power

A method of preventing oxidation of the exposed metal in structures by imposing a small electrical voltage between the structure and the ground.

scribing

Energy; Solar power

The cutting of a grid pattern of grooves in a semiconductor material, generally for the purpose of making interconnections.

cell (battery)

Energy; Solar power

A single unit of an electrochemical device capable of producing direct voltage by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. A battery usually consists of several cells electrically connected ...

sealed battery

Energy; Solar power

A battery with a captive electrolyte and a resealing vent cap, also called a valve-regulated battery. Electrolyte cannot be added.

cell barrier

Energy; Solar power

A very thin region of static electric charge along the interface of the positive and negative layers in a photovoltaic cell. The barrier inhibits the movement of electrons from one layer to the ...

seasonal depth of discharge

Energy; Solar power

An adjustment factor used in some system sizing procedures which "allows" the battery to be gradually discharged over a 30-90 day period of poor solar insolation. This factor results in a slightly ...

cell junction

Energy; Solar power

The area of immediate contact between two layers (positive and negative) of a photovoltaic cell. The junction lies at the center of the cell barrier or depletion zone.