What is a photovoltaic solar system?

A Photovoltaic solar system. A linked collection of solar panels on a roof is called an ‘array’. Power density is the amount of power per mass. PV inverters are measured by power density. The higher the power per mass, the better the inverter.

What is a photovoltaic (PV) cell?

Photovoltaic (PV) Cell: The smallest semiconductor element within a PV module to perform the immediate conversion of light into electrical energy (direct current voltage and current). Also called a solar cell.

What is a solar cell called in physics?

In physics, a solar cell is referred to as a PV cell because it produces electricity when exposed to light or other radiant energy. Solar cells, solar modules, and solar panels are often called PV cells, PV modules, and PV panels to indicate how their electricity is produced. See Also Solar Cell, Solar Module, Solar Array.

What is a photovoltaic module?

Photovoltaic (PV) Module: The smallest environmentally protected, essentially planar, assembly of solar cells and ancillary parts, such as interconnections, terminals, (and protective devices such as diodes) intended to generate direct current power under unconcentrated sunlight.

What are the different types of solar heating terms?

The following is a listing of terms used primarily in the PV industry, but some general and solar heating terms are also included. absorbers --Dark-colored objects that soak up heat in thermal solar collectors. active solar heater --A solar water or space-heating system that moves heated air or water using pumps or fans.

What is flat plate photovoltaic (PV)?

Flat‐Plate Photovoltaic (PV): 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.