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PARALLEL CONNECTION
A wiring configuration used to increase current (amperage). Parallel wiring is positive to positive (+ to +) and negative to negative (- to -). Opposite of a series connection.
PEAK POWER POINT
Operating point of the I-V (current-voltage) curve for a Photovoltaic cell or module where the product of the current value times the voltage value is a maximum.
PEAK WATTS
The measurement of electricity produced by a solar generator at noon on a sunny day, under predetermined standard conditions.
PHOTON
The actual (physical) particle unit of light, as the electron is of electric charge and the atom and molecule are of matter. Light has both wave properties and particle properties. Violet light has relatively short wavelength and higher energy in its photons; red light has longer wavelength, lower-energy photons. The wavelength and/or energy spectrum of the sun extends in both directions beyond the visible range of light, of course, and the silicon module solar cell can capture some energy in both of these invisible zones. Photons not captured by the cell are either reflected or converted to heat in the solar array.
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL
A device composed of specially prepared semiconductor material or material combinations exhibiting the ability to convert incident solar energy directly into electrical energy.
PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT
The phenomenon that occurs when photons, the "particles" in a beam of light, knock electrons loose from the atoms they strike. When this property of light is combined with the properties of semiconductors, electrons flow in one direction across a junction, setting up a voltage. With the addition of circuitry, current will flow and electric power will be available.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
An installed aggregate of solar arrays generating power for a given application. A system may include the following sub-systems: Support Foundation Power conditioning and control equipment Storage Active Thermal control Land security systems and buildings Conduit/wiring Instrumentation
POWER CONDITIONER
The electrical equipment used to convert power from a photovoltaic array into a form suitable for subsequent use. Loosely, a collective term for inverter, transformer, voltage regulator and other power controls.
POWER FACTOR
The ratio of real power (watts) to apparent power (volt-amps) in an AC circuit. Displacement power factor is the ratio of fundamental watts to fundamental RMS volts times
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