load

Anything in an electrical circuit that, when the circuit is turned on, draws power from that circuit.

An inverter that is tied to a power grid or line. The commutation of power (conversion from DC to AC) is controlled by the power line, so that, if there is a failure in the power grid, the PV system cannot feed power into the line.

An estimate of the cost of owning and operating a system for the period of its useful life; usually expressed in terms of the present value of all lifetime costs.

One thousand watt hours. The kWh is a unit of energy. 1 kWh=3600 kJ.

1000 watts.

An electrical box designed to be a safe enclosure in which to make proper electrical connections. On PV modules this is where PV strings are electrically connected.

Devices that convert DC electricity into AC electricity (single or multiphase), either for stand-alone systems (not connected to the grid) or for utility-interactive systems.

A conductor within a module or other means of connection which provides an electrical interconnection between the solar cells.

Materials that reduce the rate or slow down the movement of heat.

Sunlight, direct or diffuse; from `incident solar radiation.’ Usually expressed in watts per square meter. Not to be confused with `insulation.’