2025/2026
Photovoltaics - Answers A solar energy technology that uses the unique properties of certain
semiconductors to directly convert solar radiation into electricity
Photovoltaic system - Answers an electrical system consisting of a PV module array and other
electrical components needed to convert solar energy into electricity usable by loads
load - Answers piece of equipment that consumes electricity
utility - Answers company that produces and or distributes electricity to consumers in a certain
region or state
grid - Answers utility's network of conductors, substations, and equipment that distributes
electricity from from its central generation point to the consumer
distributed generation - Answers a system in which many smaller power-generating systems
create electrical power near the point of consumption
Balance-of-system (BOS) component - Answers an electrical or structural component, aside
from a major component, that is required to complete a PV system
integrator - Answers a business that designs, builds, and installs complete PV systems for
particular applications by matching components from various manufacturers
authority having jurisdiction - Answers An organization, office, or individual responsible for
enforcing the requirements of a (building) code or standard, or for approving equipment,
materials, an installation, or a procedure.
solar energy collector - Answers a device designed to absorb solar radiation and convert it to
another form, usually heat or electricity
flat-plate solar collector - Answers solar energy collector that absorbs solar energy on a flat
surface without concentrating it, and can utilize solar radiation directly coming from the sun as
well as radiation that is reflected or scattered by clouds and other surfaces
concentrating collector - Answers a solar energy collector that enhances solar energy by
focusing it on a smaller area through reflective surfaces or lenses
concentrating solar power - Answers technology that uses mirrors and lenses to reflect and
concentrate solar radiation from a large area onto a smaller area