gel-type battery

Lead-acid battery in which the electrolyte is composed of a silica gel matrix.

Portion of charge current that goes into electrolytical production of hydrogen and oxygen from the electrolytic liquid in the battery. This current increases with increasing voltage and temperature.

Any material that can be burned to make energy.

Fuels formed in the ground from the remains of dead plants and animals. It takes millions of years to form fossil fuels. Oil, natural gas, and coal are fossil fuels.

Number of years that a battery can keep its stated capacity when it is kept at float charge (see float charge).

Float charge is the voltage required to counteract the self-discharge of the battery at a certain temperature.

Refers to a PV array or module that consists of nonconcentrating elements. Flat-plate arrays and modules use direct and diffuse sunlight, but if the array is fixed in position, some portion of the direct sunlight is lost because of oblique sun- angles in relation to the array.

The ratio of a photovoltaic cell’s actual power to its power if both current and voltage were at their maxima. A key characteristic in evaluating cell performance.

The process of mixing the electrolyte in batteries by periodically overcharging the batteries for a short period to refresh cell capacity.

The time required for any energy producing system or device to produce as much energy as was required in its manufacture.