Glossary of Solar & Grid Terms
An A–Z reference of all the terms, abbreviations, and metrics used across SolarVsGrid calculators and guides.
A
Electricity supplied by the grid and used by most home appliances. Solar panels generate DC, which must be converted by an inverter.
Unit of electric current. Used in Peak Load Analyzer.
B
The process of determining how much storage (in kWh) you need. Try the Battery Calculator.
The minimum level of demand over 24 hours, usually from always-on devices.
C
Ratio of actual energy output to maximum possible output.
Protective device that cuts current if limits are exceeded.
D
Electricity that flows in one direction, generated by panels and batteries.
Annual panel efficiency loss (0.3–0.8%). Used in ROI and LCOE calculations.
I
Shows annualized return of a solar investment. Calculated in ROI calculator.
Device that converts DC to AC. See Inverter Sizing Calculator.
K
A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. Used to rate system sizes.
A unit of energy equal to using 1 kW for 1 hour. Used in billing and production.
L
The average cost per kWh over a system’s life.
Any device consuming electricity. See Appliance Calculator.
N
Billing system crediting you for exported solar energy.
The present-day value of future savings. A positive NPV = profitable.
O
Annual upkeep such as cleaning, inspection, and insurance.
P
A factor (0.7–0.8) representing system losses. Used in production estimates.
The equivalent number of hours per day of full sun. See Sun Hours Guide.
T
A utility rate where prices vary by time of day. See Rate Plans guide.
U
The price per kWh charged by your utility. Can be flat, tiered, or TOU.
A backup device providing short-term power during outages.
V
Electrical potential difference. Common household supply: 120V/240V.
W
Unit of power. 1 kW = 1,000 W.
A measure of energy equal to using 1 watt for 1 hour.
X
No major solar terms currently start with X. Reserved for future.
Y
Total energy output of a system over time, usually expressed as kWh/kW installed.
Z
A system configuration where solar is used onsite only and never exported to the grid.