- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
30+ Important Terms For Solar Energy: Solar energy is one of the cleanest and most renewable energy sources in the world right now. More people are using solar systems to save energy and cut costs as a result of growing electricity demands and environmental concerns. However, you frequently encounter terms like solar panel, PV array, inverter, solar rooftop and many more when you enter the realm of solar technology. These terms may seem complicated to a novice, but they are crucial to comprehending the operation of solar power.
Each term explains a key part of the solar system. For example, a PV array is a collection of solar panels connected; a solar rooftop is just a collection of panels placed on the roof, and a solar panel is the device that collects sunlight. Anyone can grasp the fundamentals of solar setups, from small home installations to massive solar farms, by becoming familiar with these terms. Making informed decisions when preparing for future solar energy use is also made easier with this knowledge.
Here are 30+ important and common terms that are used for Solar energy. Let’s explore to avoid any confusion.
Basic Solar Components Terms
1. Solar Panel – A Device that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity.
2. Solar Cell– Smallest unit inside a panel that generates power.
3. PV Array– A group of solar panels connected.
4. Solar Rooftop – Solar panels installed on a building’s roof.
5. Solar Farm – A Large land area covered with solar panels to generate electricity.
6. Solar Thermal – Technology that uses sunlight to generate heat instead of electricity.
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Energy and Power Terms
7. Watt (W)– Unit of power showing how much energy is produced.
8. Kilowatt (kW)– 1,000 watts, used to measure system size.
9. Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)– Energy consumed or produced in one hour.
10. Peak Sun Hours– Average hours of useful sunlight per day.
11. Solar Efficiency – Percentage of sunlight converted into electricity.
12. Solar Footprint – Area required to install solar panels.
System and Technology Terms
13. Solar Inverter – Converts DC from panels into AC for home use.
14. Grid-Tied System – Connected to the main electricity grid.
15. Off-Grid System – Works independently with batteries.
16. Hybrid System– Combination of grid and battery backup.
17. Solar Tracker – A Device that follows the sun for maximum energy.
18. Balance of System (BOS) – All components other than the panels.
Storage and Financial Terms
19. Solar Battery – Stores excess solar power for later use.
20. Net Metering – Extra energy sent to the grid reduces electricity bills.
21. Feed-in Tariff (FiT)– Payment for selling extra solar energy to the grid.
22. Solar Leasing – Renting solar panels instead of buying.
23. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) – Buying solar power at fixed rates.
24. Solar Credits (RECs) – Certificates for using renewable energy.
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Panel Types and Industry Terms
25. Monocrystalline Panel – High-efficiency panel made from a single crystal.
26. Polycrystalline Panel – Affordable panel made from multiple crystals.
27. Thin-Film Solar – Lightweight, flexible solar panels.
28. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) – Uses mirrors/lenses to focus sunlight.
29. Smart Grid – Modern grid that integrates renewable sources.
30. Net Zero Energy Home – A home that produces as much energy as it consumes.
31. Sun Number Score – Rating that shows how suitable a house is for solar.
32. Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)– Average lifetime cost of producing solar power.