Solar energy is, to be sure, a whole new language to learn, filled with wires and watts and lots of wonderful things! Be it solar panels atop your roof or trying to make sense of your energy bills, understanding solar jargon could make or break the deal for you. You needn’t be an engineer or a person who is an expert in solar backgrounds to do it, so fear not. Let us break it down in layman’s terms for the benefit of your solar-gleaming knowledge!

The Basics: Back to Science Class!

Let’s warm up with some simple concepts you may vaguely remember from school:

1. Current (I):
   Imagine electricity as a river, and current is how fast the water (electrons) flows. There are two types—Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). The SI Unit of current is Ampere (A)
2. Alternating Current (AC):
   This is what powers your home. It flows back and forth, changing direction—like waves lapping on a shore. 
3. Direct Current (DC):
   DC is straight to the point—electricity flows in one constant direction, just like the energy from batteries or solar panels
4. Voltage (V):
   Think of this as the “pressure” pushing electricity through a wire. More voltage means more power pushing electrons from one point to another. The SI unit of Voltage is Volt (V).
5. Power (W):
   This is how fast energy is used or generated. The SI Unit for Power (W) is Watt.

6. Kilowatt-Hour (kWh):
   This is the “unit” seen on your electricity bill. A 1 kilowatt appliance used for one hour is one kWh consumed. Monitor your household appliances, and very soon, you will find out how much solar power you might need!
7. Utility Grid:
   The giant web that sends power from big power plants to your home or office. It’s what you’re currently plugged into.

Solar Panel Speak: Your Intro to Solar Modules

Now let’s zoom in on the stars of solar power—the panels and their partners:

1. Solar Panel:
   Photovoltaic panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are converters of sunlight into electricity, typically by using silicon. Connect a whole bunch of them together and you’ll get a solar array.
2. Solar Inverter:
   Solar panels do produce DC power, but home electricity runs on AC. So in between comes the inverter that operates conversions of the two, hence rendering solar power usable.
3. Balance of System (BoS):
   Everything in your solar setup except the panel—like cables, mounting frames, batteries, and wiring. The unsung heroes!
4. Panel Efficiency:
   This tells you how good your panel is at converting sunlight into electricity. The higher, the better. GB Solar offers 20–23% efficiency—top-tier stuff!
5. Bifacial Panels:
   Unlike traditional panels that work from one side, bifacial ones capture sunlight from both the front and back. More sun, more power!
6. Monocrystalline Panels:
   Sleek and black, these are made from a single crystal of pure silicon. They’re efficient and premium, but also a bit pricier.
7. Polycrystalline Panels:
   Blueish and made from multiple silicon crystals, these are more budget-friendly but slightly less efficient.

Solar Tech Innovations: PERC vs. TOPCon

PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell):

Imagine your solar cell is a bucket catching sunlight. PERC adds a reflective layer to the bucket’s base, so nothing escapes—more light captured, more energy made.

TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact):

Now imagine an ultra-bucket that reflects, catches, and transfers light faster with minimal loss. TOPCon cells are energy efficiency champions, especially in hotter climates.

Solar System Types: Know Your Setup

1. Grid-Tied (On-Grid) Systems:
   Stay connected to the grid while using solar energy. If you produce extra, you can send it back and earn credit!
2. Off-Grid Systems:
   No grid? No problem. These standalone systems use batteries to store energy for night-time or cloudy-day use.
3. Hybrid Systems:
   Best of both worlds—connected to the grid and equipped with battery backup for added reliability.
4. Rooftop Solar:
   Popular among residential and small commercial spaces. Easy to install, easy to maintain—just keep it clean!
5. Ground-Mounted Solar:
   Perfect for high-capacity projects. The panels are installed on sturdy ground structures, ideal for farms and industrial plants.

Solar Policies & Financial Terms (aka Money Talk)

Here’s where solar meets your wallet. These terms are worth knowing:

Net Metering:
Produced more power than you used? Send it to the grid and get credited for it!

Gross Metering:
All your solar power goes to the grid, and you receive a fixed rate for every unit.

Feed-in Tariff (FiT):
A guaranteed price you get paid for the solar energy you export to the grid.

Time-of-Day (ToD) Tariff:
Electricity costs shift depending on demand—cheaper at night, costlier in the evening.

Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO):
Big consumers are legally required to source a portion of their energy from renewables.

Open Access Solar:
Large businesses can buy solar power directly from producers, bypassing the local utility.

Electricity Duty Exemptions:
Incentives like zero duty charges make solar even more affordable.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):
A contract to sell solar power at agreed rates—usually signed between producers and DISCOMs.

Accelerated Depreciation:
A big reason solar is great for industries—you get tax benefits by writing off the project cost quickly.

Capital Subsidy:
Government support to reduce initial solar setup costs—makes the transition more budget-friendly.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs):
Certificates that prove you’ve generated green energy. They can be traded or used to meet RPOs.

Green Bonds:
Investors fund green projects like solar plants through bonds. Good for your karma and your portfolio!

Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC):
A tax benefit allowing you to deduct a portion of your solar investment from your income tax.

Bankable Solar Projects:
A project that’s profitable, stable, and attractive to investors.

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE):
The average cost of electricity from your solar system over its lifespan—a great metric to understand ROI.

 Ready to Go Solar?

What is now making you feel a little better with the solar lingo? Rather, learn your solar ABCs and make wiser green choices whether it is to go totally off-grid or just reduce electricity bills. 

Have you no idea how to begin? Relax. Ask our experts for advice free of charge.

Contact Us – Turning your roof into a power station!