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Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Solar Work?
Frequently Used Terminology
Frequently Used Terminology
Explanation of how a solar power system works
Frequently Used Terminology
Frequently Used Terminology
Frequently Used Terminology
Definitions of words that are frequently used in the solar power industry
How Does Solar Work?
Hybrid Systems
- Solar panels convert energy from the sun into DC current.
- This solar power gets transferred to the charge controller.
- The charge controller uses the DC solar power to charge the batteries.
- The energy from the batteries goes to the inverter where the energy gets converted from DC to AC power.
- The AC power is directed from the inverter to the electrical panel or breaker box, making it available for use.
- Once the batteries are fully charged, excess power can be used during the day, instead of Eskom power.
Battery power is used when the sun is not available. When the voltage drops under a set point, the inverter will automatically switch back to the grid.
Grid Tie Systems
1. Solar panels convert energy from the sun into DC current.
2, 3, 4. This solar power gets transferred to the inverter(s), which converts the energy from DC to AC power.
5. The AC power is directed from the inverter to the electrical Distribution Box (DB), making it available for use.
6. This provides power only when sufficient sun is available for the panels to produce energy.
Frequently Used Terminology
Solar power system
Complete system of solar panels which produces a direct current thanks to the photovoltaic effect. An inverter converts the generated electricity into alternative current, so it can be fed into the grid.
Off-grid / Stand-Alone
Solar power systems which are not connected to an electricity network. The electricity produced is consumed or stored in various kinds of batteries on site.
On-grid / Grid Tie
Solar power systems which are connected to a municipal electricity grid. When a large amount of electricity is produced due to optimum levels of sunlight, electricity is fed into the grid; electricity can be drawn from the grid if and when necessary. No batteries are installed and rely on the availability of power through the grid.
Inverter
Converts direct current generated by the solar cells to grid-compatible, alternating current; it also stores operating data and monitors the grid connection.
Hybrid
Solar power systems which are connected to an electricity network and has sufficient capacity to produce power which can be consumed during solar (sunshine) periods and allow storage in various kinds of batteries on site, for use during non-solar periods.
Flat roof installation
Type of installation for solar power modules where the solar modules are fitted to flat roofs using an angled or telescopic structure.
Environmental management
A company's approach to systematically reducing the effect its actions have on the environment. Company strategies should combine economic growth with environmental sustainability. The reduction of harmful emissions, waste avoidance and the use of renewable energies are included in the catalogue of environmental measures implemented. A company's environmental guidelines, environmental auditing and standards such as ISO 14 001 are an integrated part of such an approach.
Profitability
A solar power system's profitability is calculated based on the system's costs, feed-in tariffs and solar incidence at its location.
Renewable energy
Energy which comes from a natural, non-depletable source, such as the sun, water, wind, geothermal heat and biomass.
Self-generated electricity
Self-generated electricity can be consumed on site with any remaining power fed into the public grid. The more electricity is consumed on site, the greater the revenue achieved from the solar power system concerned. The proportion of electricity used on site can be increased to over 60% using intelligent consumption management products. Those who produce self-generated electricity are unaffected by increases in electricity prices. Pressure is also taken off the local grid, as solar power generation and consumption are synchronised directly in the building where the power is used.
Recycling
Return of used materials to the economic cycle and their processing into new products. The advantages lie in the reduction of the amount of waste and the conservation of raw materials.
Photovoltaics
Refers to the method of directly converting solar radiation into electrical energy.
Multicrystalline
As a result of conditions during the crystallisation process, solar silicon is solidified into a silicon block consisting of several smaller crystallites of varying sizes and orientation.
Mono-crystalline
Solar silicon is solidified into a uniform, cylinder-shaped crystal as a result of conditions during the crystallisation process.
Monosilane
Monosilane is the simplest form of silane (silicon analogues of alkaline hydrocarbons). It is used in solar silicon production.
EVA
Abbreviation for ethylene vinyl acetate, a synthetic material. EVA film binds cells to the solar glass in modules and to the film on the rear.
Solar cell
A device converting solar radiation into electricity.
Module
RA photovoltaic module is an interconnected assembly of solar cells, the solar panel. It is made weatherproof by sealing the assembly with silicon behind glass in an aluminium frame.
PV system
Short for photovoltaic system or solar power systems.