Solar Energy Glossary
Solar quotes use jargon that can hide important details. These definitions help you read them.
Power and energy
- kW: power. A 5 kW system can produce up to 5 kW at peak.
- kWh: energy. One unit on your bill equals one kWh.
- Peak sun hours: hours per day of full-strength sunlight equivalent.
Equipment
- Inverter: converts DC to AC.
- MPPT: tracking that extracts maximum power from panels.
- Bifacial: panel that collects light on both faces.
- TOPCon: an n-type solar cell technology.
- Depth of discharge: usable share of battery capacity.
Policy and business
- DISCOM: the electricity distribution company.
- Net metering: crediting exported power against consumption.
- EPC: Engineering, Procurement and Construction.
- AMC: annual maintenance contract.
- On-grid, off-grid, hybrid: connection and storage configuration.
More terms you may meet
- String: a series of panels wired together
- Sanctioned load: the maximum demand agreed with the DISCOM
- Degradation: slow yearly loss of panel output
- Earthing: safety connection to ground that protects people and equipment
- Anti-islanding: protection that stops an on-grid inverter from feeding a dead grid
Frequently asked questions
Where can I learn more?
See the MNRE website and our blog guides.