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Glossary of photovoltaics and solar energy

POwR Connect offers you its glossary on the key concepts of photovoltaics and solar energy.

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Frame of a solar panel

The frame of a solar panel is a metal structure that surrounds the photovoltaic cells and the glass of the solar panel. It protects the photovoltaic cells and the glass from impacts and weathering. They are often made of aluminum, black, silver, or another color related to the aesthetics of the site, and their function is to ensure the rigidity and watertightness of the solar panel.

Layout

The layout plan is the step that consists of defining the orientation of the Solar panels on the roof (portrait or landscape), to set up the grid (lines/columns) and to calculate the optimal number of solar panels to arrange in order to get the best power.

Battery capacity

The capacity of a battery is expressed in Ampere-hours (Ah), it indicates the amount of current that a battery can supply over time.

Electrical circuit

An electrical circuit is a set of electrical conductors connected together, allowing an electric current to flow.

Clamp

A clamp refers to an intermediate or end clamp used to attach photovoltaic solar modules to rails.

Conductance

In electricity, conductance is a quantity that measures a body's ability to allow an electric current to pass through it. It is defined as the inverse of resistance.

Network connection

Grid connection is the step enabling the connection of a photovoltaic solar installation to the public grid in order to allow the redistribution of the surplus or all of the electricity produced.

Coupling

Coupling is a type of electrical connection between a solar grid and a battery or energy storage system.

Hook

A fixing hook is a movable attachment used to fix photovoltaic solar panels to an installation fixed on a roof.