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Glossary
Kilowatt (kW): Standard unit of electrical power equal to 1000 watts.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): 1,000 watts for a one hour period of time. Equates to ten 100 watt light bulbs on for an hour.
Megawatt-Hour: 1,000 kilowatt for a one hour period of time.
Direct Current (DC): Type of electricity generated by batteries, solar cells.
Alternating Current (AC): Type of electricity generated by utility company.
Photovoltaic (PV): Thin wafers of two different silicons, one doped with boron (positive) and the other doped with phosphorus (negative). When exposed to light produces movement of electrons creating electrical (DC) current.
Inverter: Converts DC electricity to AC electricity for your home.
DC or AC Disconnect: Electrical component used to open and close a circuit much like a light switch in your home.
Combiner Box (aka Transition Box): Electrical component used to combine and/or transition one type of conductor into another.
Conductor: Electrical material through which electricity is transmitted; electrical wire.
Energy Audit: A survey conducted on your home that shows how much energy is used and lost thru a thorough inspection with BPI trained auditors using specialized equipment.
Hybrid System: System that utilizes more than one source of electric generation; solar, wind, generator, bio-mass, hydro, etc.
Irradiance: The direct, diffuse and reflected solar radiation that strikes a surface.
