Solar Energy - Electromagnetic energy transmitted from the sun (solar radiation). The amount that reaches the earth is equal to one billionth of total solar energy generated, or the equivalent of about 420 trillion kilowatt-hours.
Energy - The capability of doing work; different forms of energy can be converted to other forms, but the total amount of energy remains the same.
Photovoltaic (PV) Panel - often used interchangeably with PV module (especially in one- module systems), but more accurately used to refer to a physically connected collection of modules (i.e., a laminate string of modules used to achieve a required voltage and current).
Electricity - Energy resulting from the flow of charge particles, such as electrons or ions.
Hybrid System - A solar electric or photovoltaic system that includes other sources of electricity generation, such as wind or diesel generators.
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.
Photovoltaic(s) (PV) - Pertaining to the direct conversion of light into electricity.
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. The structural (load carrying) member of a module can either be the top layer (superstrate) or the back layer (substrate).
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.