Photovoltaic (PV) refers to the technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Solar panels are made of PV cells, which generate a direct current (DC) when exposed to sunlight. PV is the most common type of solar technology used in UK homes for electricity generation.
Inverter is an electronic device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the form of electricity used in homes. Without an inverter, the solar energy produced cannot be used by household appliances.
Kilowatt (kW) measures the power output of a solar system. For example, a 4kW solar panel system can generate 4 kilowatts of electricity at its peak output under ideal conditions. This metric helps homeowners understand the size and capacity of a solar installation.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures the amount of energy used or generated over time. If a 1kW appliance runs for one hour, it uses 1kWh of electricity. Solar energy production and household electricity consumption are typically measured in kWh.
Solar Array is a group of solar panels connected together on a roof or in a field. Arrays increase the total electricity generation of a system by combining multiple panels to work as a single unit.
Feed-in Tariff (FiT) was a UK government scheme that paid homeowners for generating and exporting renewable electricity. While the scheme has ended, it helped popularise solar energy and introduced many households to home solar systems.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the current UK scheme that pays homeowners for electricity exported to the grid from small-scale renewable installations, including solar panels. Unlike FiT, SEG only pays for surplus energy actually exported.
Battery Storage refers to devices that store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use. Batteries let homeowners use their own solar electricity when the sun isn’t shining, reducing reliance on the grid.
Solar Irradiance measures the amount of sunlight received per unit area, typically in watts per square metre. It’s a key factor in determining how much electricity solar panels can generate at any given time.
Monocrystalline Solar Panel is a type of solar panel made from a single crystal structure. These panels are usually more efficient and have a sleeker appearance compared to other types, making them popular for residential installations.
Polycrystalline Solar Panel is made from multiple silicon crystals. These panels are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels but are often more affordable and still widely used in the UK.
Grid-Tied System describes a solar setup that is connected to the main electricity grid. It allows surplus electricity to be exported to the grid and imported when solar production is insufficient.
Off-Grid System is a standalone solar system not connected to the electricity grid. These setups rely on batteries or other energy storage to provide continuous electricity and are less common in UK homes.
Peak Sun Hours represents the equivalent number of hours per day when sunlight is strong enough to generate maximum power from solar panels. It’s used to estimate potential energy production for a given location.
Energy Efficiency in the context of solar refers to how well a solar panel converts sunlight into usable electricity. Higher efficiency panels produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.
Load is the amount of electricity being used by appliances and devices in a home. Solar systems are often sized and managed based on typical household load patterns to maximise self-consumption.
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) is a technology in solar inverters that optimises the voltage and current from the panels to ensure maximum power output under varying conditions.
Net Metering is a system where electricity exported to the grid is offset against electricity consumed from the grid, reducing overall bills. While SEG doesn’t use net metering, the concept is often referenced in solar discussions.
Carbon Footprint refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use. Installing solar panels reduces a household’s carbon footprint by replacing grid electricity with renewable energy.
Tilt Angle is the angle at which solar panels are mounted relative to the roof or ground. Proper tilt affects solar panel efficiency and energy production throughout the year.
Orientation describes the direction a solar panel faces. In the UK, south-facing panels generally capture the most sunlight, while east or west-facing panels generate slightly less energy.
