This glossary provides definitions and explanations of common solar terms relevant to vegetation maintenance of utility-scale solar ground mount systems. It covers solar technology, wiring, construction, and equipment.
Solar Technology
Array
An array consists of multiple solar panels wired together to form a larger system that can generate more electricity than a single panel alone.
Photovoltaic (PV)
PV technology converts sunlight into electricity using semiconductors. This process is fundamental to solar power generation.
Solar Cells
Solar cells are the basic units that convert sunlight into electricity. They can be made from various materials, including crystalline silicon and thin-film technologies.
Inverter
An inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used by most homes and businesses.
Micro-inverter
Micro-inverters are placed on the back of each solar panel to optimize energy production for each individual panel, rather than for the entire system.
String Inverter
A string inverter connects to a series of solar panels (a string) and is commonly used in residential solar energy systems.
Thin-Film Solar
Thin-film solar technology uses very thin layers of photovoltaic material to create lightweight, often flexible solar modules.
Tracker
Trackers are mounting systems that allow solar panels to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day, increasing energy production. They can be single-axis or dual-axis.
Solar Panel Efficiency
This term refers to the percentage of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into electricity
Wiring and Electrical
Balance of System (BOS)
BOS includes all components of a solar system other than the panels themselves, such as inverters, wiring, mounting hardware, and monitoring systems.
Direct Current (DC)
DC is the type of electricity generated by solar panels. It flows in one direction through a conductor.
Alternating Current (AC)
AC is the type of electricity used in most homes and businesses. It changes direction periodically and is safer for long-distance transmission.
Power Optimizer
Power optimizers are devices connected to each solar panel to maximize energy harvest by tracking the maximum power point of each panel.
Charge Controller
A charge controller regulates the electricity going into a battery storage system, protecting the battery from overcharging.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
BESS stores excess energy generated by solar panels for use when the sun isn’t shining or during peak demand times.
Net Metering
Net metering allows excess energy produced by a solar system to be sent back to the grid, providing credits to the system owner
Ground-Mounted Solar
Ground-mounted solar systems are installed on land rather than rooftops. They are used primarily for large-scale commercial and utility-scale projects.
Mounting Hardware
Mounting hardware includes the racking and equipment used to secure solar panels to rooftops or ground-mounted systems. It is designed to withstand environmental conditions while minimizing impact.
Racking
Racking systems are used to affix solar panels to various surfaces, including roofs and the ground. They provide structural support and proper orientation for the panels.
Solar Canopies
Solar canopies are raised structures that support solar panels above the ground, allowing the land underneath to be used for other purposes, such as parking.
Solar Carports
Similar to solar canopies, solar carports are installed above parking lots to provide shade and generate electricity.
Traditional Ground-Mount Systems
Solar systems anchored to the ground with steel beams, ground screws, or helical piles, holding panels typically two to four high.
Ballasted Systems
Solar arrays secured with concrete blocks, ideal for sites where ground penetration is not possible, such as capped landfills or brownfields.
Single-Axis Trackers
Systems that follow the sun from east to west, enhancing energy output by optimizing panel orientation.
Dual-Axis Trackers
Systems that follow the sun on both horizontal and vertical axes for maximum efficiency.
Floatovoltaics
Solar arrays floating on water bodies, using interlinked plastic floats to support the panels.
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
EPC refers to the comprehensive process of designing, procuring equipment, and constructing a solar energy system.
Additional Terms
Grid-Tied Solar Systems
These systems are connected to the utility grid, allowing for the exchange of electricity between the solar system and the grid.
Off-Grid Systems
Off-grid systems operate independently from the utility grid, relying on solar panels and battery storage to meet energy needs.
Community Solar
Community solar projects generate electricity for multiple households, allowing those who cannot install solar on their property to benefit from solar energy.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are thin-film photovoltaic strips that can be applied directly to roofing materials, functioning both as a roof and a solar panel.
Solar Power Plant
A large-scale, ground-mounted solar array built for utility or commercial use, capable of generating power for thousands of homes and businesses.