Terminology/Name/Question/Acronym

Quick Definition, if more information is needed on the subject, click on the subject name to see a more in-depth GuruCard

A

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, and it can be either an addition or a newly constructed building

ACH (Automated Clearing House) Form

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, which is an electronic payment system used for transferring funds between bank accounts in the United States. An ACH Form, also known as an ACH Authorization Form or ACH Agreement, is a document that authorizes a company or organization to initiate an ACH transaction to collect funds from or credit funds to a person or business's bank account.ACH Form is used to authorize payments related to solar energy systems or services. For example, it could be used for automatic monthly payments for a solar panel installation or for payments related to solar energy generated by a residential or commercial solar power system. In such cases, the ACH Form would typically include information such as the person or organization's banking details, the amount and frequency of payments, and specific authorization for the company or organization to initiate ACH transactions for solar energy-related payments. It's important to note that the exact content and format of an ACH Form may vary depending on the specific requirements of the company or organization implementing the ACH transaction and the purpose of the payments being authorized.

C

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)

Technology that uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a receiver that generates heat to produce electricity.

G

Grid-tied system

PV system that is connected to the electric grid and can use electricity from the grid when solar production is low.

H

HIC

Home Improvement Contract - another term for Service Agreement

I

ICX FORM

When the customer is not on the Utility Bill an ICX Form has to be signed to allow the individual buying solar to move forward with the install process as well as the financing option to allow PTO.

Inverter

Device that converts the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used in homes or fed back into the grid.

K

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Unit of measurement for electricity usage.

M

Mod

Mod is sometimes used as a shorthand term for module in the context of solar panels.

N

Net metering

Billing arrangement that allows solar panel owners to receive credit for the excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid.

O

Off-Grid

System that is not connected to the main power grid, such as a remote cabin that relies on solar power.

P

Photovoltaic (PV)

Refers to the technology that converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells.

Premium Solar Modules

When people talk about "premium" solar modules, they often mean modules that are of higher quality, efficiency, or durability compared to standard modules. Premium modules may have features like:

Prime Rate

Prime rate is the interest rate that commercial banks charge their most creditworthy customers, usually large corporations. It serves as a benchmark rate for many lending products such as adjustable-rate mortgages, business loans, and lines of credit. The prime rate is influenced by various economic factors, including the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, prevailing market conditions, and the creditworthiness of borrowers.

R

Renewable Energy

Energy derived from sources that can be replenished, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.

S

Shade Report

Shade report is a document that assesses the effectiveness of a solar shade in reducing solar heat gain and controlling glare in a building or outdoor space. It typically includes a detailed analysis of the shading system, its design, and its potential impact on energy consumption and occupant comfort. The report may also include recommendations for adjustments or improvements to the shading system to optimize its performance. Overall, a solar shade report helps building owners and managers make informed decisions about how to effectively manage solar radiation and improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their buildings. It can be provided by the design team.

Solar Energy

Energy derived from the sun's radiation.

Solar Farm

Large-scale solar installation that generates electricity for a utility company or community.

Solar Panel

Panel consisting of solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity.

Solar panel efficiency

Amount of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into electricity.

Solar Thermal

Technology that uses the sun's heat to generate electricity or to heat water for buildings or industrial processes.

Sun Hour

Sun hour typically refers to the amount of time during a day when the sun's rays provide enough solar irradiance (solar energy) to generate a certain level of electricity from a solar panel or to effectively support plant growth. One sun hour is defined as the amount of solar energy received by a location during one hour of full sunlight, which is equivalent to an irradiance of 1,000 watts per square meter (W/m²). The actual number of sun hours a location receives depends on factors such as latitude, season, time of day, cloud cover, and atmospheric conditions.