qualification test

A procedure applied to a selected set of PV modules involving the application of defined electrical, mechanical, or thermal stress in a prescribed manner and amount. Test results are subject to a list of defined requirements.

A measure of energy equal to one trillion BTUs; an energy equivalent to approximately 172 million barrels of oil.

Abbreviation for photovoltaic.

PWM inverters are the most expensive, but produce a high quality of output signal at minimum current harmonics. The output voltage is very close to sinusoidal.

The ratio of the average power and the apparent volt-amperes.

Electrical equipment, or power electronics, used to convert power from a photovoltaic array into a form suitable for subsequent use. A collective term for inverter, converter, battery charge regulator, and blocking diode.

See `Multicrystalline.’

A method of depositing thin semiconductor films. With this method, physical processes, such as thermal evaporation or bombardment of ions, are used to deposit elemental semiconductor material on a substrate.

A complete set of components for converting sunlight into electricity by the photovoltaic process, including the array and balance of system components.

Maximum rated output of a cell, module, or system. Typical rating conditions are 0.645 watts per square inch (1000 watts per square meter) of sunlight, 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) ambient air temperature and 6.2 x 10 -3 mi/s (1 m/s) wind speed.