Glossary
Clean energy source
An energy source that produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants during its operation.
Example:
Solar power is considered a clean energy source because it does not release carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions when generating electricity.
High upfront costs
The significant initial investment required for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems.
Example:
Despite long-term savings, the high upfront costs of installing a large solar array can be a barrier for many homeowners.
Intermittency
A characteristic of some renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, where energy production is not constant and depends on environmental conditions.
Example:
One challenge of relying solely on solar power is its intermittency; electricity cannot be generated at night or on heavily cloudy days.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells
The fundamental components of solar panels, typically made of semiconductor materials like silicon, that convert light directly into electricity.
Example:
When sunlight strikes the silicon in photovoltaic (PV) cells, it excites electrons, causing them to flow and create an electric current.
Photovoltaic effect
The physical process by which a material converts light energy (photons) directly into electrical energy, causing electrons to be knocked loose and create a current.
Example:
The discovery of the photovoltaic effect was a breakthrough, enabling the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity without moving parts.
Renewable energy source
An energy source that is naturally replenished on a human timescale, making it inexhaustible for practical purposes.
Example:
Wind power is another excellent example of a renewable energy source, as the wind will continue to blow indefinitely.
Semiconductors
Materials, like silicon, that have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, making them ideal for use in electronic devices like PV cells.
Example:
The efficiency of semiconductors in converting light to electricity is crucial for the performance of modern solar panels.
Solar energy
Energy derived directly from the sun's radiation, captured and converted into usable forms like electricity or heat.
Example:
A home equipped with rooftop solar energy panels can significantly reduce its reliance on the traditional electrical grid.
Solar panels
Devices composed of multiple photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb sunlight and convert it directly into electricity.
Example:
Many new commercial buildings are installing large arrays of solar panels on their roofs to offset energy consumption.
Solar thermal energy
A technology that harnesses the sun's heat directly to warm water or air, rather than converting sunlight into electricity.
Example:
Unlike photovoltaic panels, a rooftop system designed for solar thermal energy uses the sun's rays to heat water for household use.
Storage system
A technology, typically batteries, used to store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use when the sun is not shining.
Example:
To overcome the issue of intermittency, many off-grid solar installations require a robust storage system to ensure a continuous power supply.