Terminology/Name/Question/Acronym

Quick Definition

Point cloud

A point cloud is a discrete set of data points in space. These points represent a 3D shape or object. Point clouds are generally produced by 3D scanners or by photogrammetry software, which measure many points on the external surfaces of objects around them.

Obstacles

An obstacle is the term used to reference a rooftop obstruction. Obstacles are typically chimneys, sunroofs, satellite dishes, rooftop AC units, vents, and pipes.

Fire Setbacks

Fire setbacks are designated pathways that are required to be on the roof according to fire code in case of emergency.

Azimuth

Azimuth is the angular measurement, referring to the orientation of the roof - facing N, S, E or W

Aerialytic

Aerialytic is an AI based design software used for residential PV system design

Roof Segment

Roof segments are a singular line, between two points of the roof. The term roof segment is used primarily when referencing the design. (for example: the ridgeline, a the rake line from the eave to the ridge, etc.)

Roof Plane

A roof plane is the surface of the roof.

Shade Report

A shade report is an analysis that displays the amount of solar radiation that enters an area. A shade report factors in all surrounding structures, trees, and obstacles to determine the most productive areas of the home to place solar panels.

Offset

Solar offset is a measurement of the yearly difference between the amount of electricity generated by your solar panels, and the amount of electricity your home uses. It's typically expressed as a percentage.

Nearmap

Nearmap is a program that gathers map data. Aerialytic utilizes Nearmap to gather DSM data to have accurate, up-to-date imagery of homes to design on, and elevation data to determine roof pitch, tree height, obstacle placement, etc.

Production

Production is the amount of electricity the PV system generates.

Panel

A panel is the layman’s term for a photovoltaic module. Photovoltaic modules are a device that captures solar power to transform it into an electric current.

Equipment

Equipment specifically refers to what the EPC installs to convert energy from the sun into thermal or electrical energy.

“Equipment” is used most often when referring to solar panels, inverters, and batteries.

DSM

A Digital Surface Model, or DSM captures a surface, including natural and human-made structures. A DSM captures the surfaces of all features elevated above the 'bare earth'.

Design

A design is the rendering of a home, furnished with a PV system, that is completed based on the homeowner’s usage for the purpose of a solar proposal.

AHJ

AHJ stands for Authority Having Jurisdiction. A building department or local authority that our partners submit plans to for obtaining a permit to build.

ESS

Energy Storage System, or ESS is a common industry acronym referring to batteries.

kW / kilowatt

A kW or kilowatt is a unit of measurement for the rate of power an electrical device or load uses. 1 kW = 1,000 W

kWh / kilowatt-hour

A kilowatt-hour is the measure of electricity defined as a unit of work or energy, measured as 1 kilowatt (1,000 watts) of power expended for 1 hour.

Array

An array is a group of solar panels, racked together.

Offset

Percent of electricity consumption offset by the solar power system - Calculated by Total Yearly Consumption / Total Yearly Production

Dormer

A dormer is a roofed structure, often containing a window, that projects vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof. Common dormer types are: arched top, eyebrow, gabled, hipped, and shed.

Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is the use of photography in surveying and mapping to measure distances between objects. By combining enough overlapping 2D images, photogrammetry software can be used to generate photorealistic 3D representations of topographic surfaces.

LiDAR

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to acquire elevation data about the Earth's surface. Some companies use LiDAR technology to determine the size and location of trees, the placement of rooftop obstacles, as well as the height and pitch of each roof.