Solar Glossary & Frequently Asked Questions
Solar terminology, utility language, and system design details can be confusing; often intentionally so. This page breaks down common solar terms and answers the most frequently asked questions in plain language.
Our goal is to educate customers with important facts about solar energy, clarify expectations, and help consumers fully comprehend how solar actually works; before speaking with a contractor or signing contracts.
Solar Glossary & Common Terminology
1. Photovoltaic (PV):
The technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials.
2. Solar Array:
A collection of multiple solar panels wired together to function as a single electricity-producing unit.
3. Rooftop Solar:
Panels installed directly on the top of a building, utilizing unoccupied space. Most common option for properties with limited land but sufficient roof area.
4. Ground Mounted Solar:
Solar arrays installed on the ground rather than a roof. Ideal for large properties or land owners where roof space is insufficient or orientation is poor.
5. Whole Home Solar System:
A comprehensive energy setup—including panels, inverters, and often batteries.
6. Solar Panel Size & Wattage:
The physical dimensions and power output capacity of a panel. Higher wattage panels produce more power per square foot.
7. Inverter:
A critical device that converts the Direct Current (DC) electricity produced by panels into the Alternating Current (AC) used in homes and businesses.
8. Microinverter:
A small inverter installed on the back of each individual panel to optimize performance, especially in shaded conditions.
9. Balance of System (BoS):
All components of a solar system excluding the panels themselves, such as wiring, mounting hardware, and inverters.
10.Kilowatt (kW):
A unit of power (1,000 watts) used to measure the size or capacity of a solar system.
11. Kilowatt-Hour (kWh):
(kWh): A unit of energy representing 1,000 watts of power used over one hour; this is how utility companies measure your consumption.
12.Solar Efficiency:
The percentage of sunlight reaching a panel that is successfully converted into usable electricity.
13.Degradation Rate:
The natural decrease in a solar panel's power output over time, typically factored into long-term performance guarantees.
14.Site Survey/Assesment:
A professional evaluation of a property to determine its suitability for solar, including roof condition and shading analysis.
1. Electrical Grid:
The interconnected network that delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers.
2. Utility Rate Structure:
The complex method utilities use to charge for energy (e.g., Tiered, Time-of-Use, or Demand Charges).
3. Off-Grid System:
A solar and battery configuration that operates entirely independently from the national electric grid.
4. Grid-Tied System:
A solar system connected to the local utility grid, allowing you
to draw power when needed and sell excess back.
5. Hybrid System:
A grid-tied solar system that includes battery storage, allowing the property to draw from the grid when needed while maintaining power during outages.
6. Net Metering (NEM):
A billing system that gives solar owners credits for excess energy they send back to the grid, which can be used to offset future bills.
7. NEM 3.0 (Net Billing Tariff):
A specific utility policy, common in California, that adjusts how solar owners are credited for exported energy.
8. Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates:
A utility rate structure where electricity costs vary based on the time of day, with higher prices during "peak" hours.
9. Interconnection Agreement:
A formal contract between a system owner and the utility company allowing the solar system to connect to the grid.
10.PTO (Permission to Operate):
The final authorization from a utility company to turn on a solar system after it has passed all inspections.
1. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS):
Technology that stores excess solar energy for use at night, during peak utility hours or during power outages.
2. Depth of Discharge (DoD):
The percentage of a battery's total capacity that has been used; maintaining proper DoD is vital for battery health.
3. Islanding:
The ability of a solar + battery system to operate independently during a grid blackout, providing power to the property.
4. Peak Shaving:
Using stored battery energy during high-demand periods to avoid expensive utility "demand charges".
5. Battery Capacity (kWh):
The total amount of electricity your battery can store, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). It determines how long your home can run on stored energy.
6. Battery Power Output (kW):
The rate at which the battery can deliver that stored energy, measured in kilowatts (kW). It determines how many appliances you can run at the same time.
7. Usable Capacity:
The actual amount of energy you can draw from a battery. Most modern batteries keep a small reserve (5–10%) to protect the internal chemistry.
1. Energy Needs:
The total electricity a property consumes annually, determined by analyzing 12 months of utility bills to ensure the system is sized accurately.
2. System Size & Production:
The capacity of a solar array (kW) vs. the actual electricity it generates (kWh).
3. Operations & Maintenance (O&M):
The ongoing monitoring and upkeep required to ensure a system performs as promised over its 25+ year lifespan.
4. Permit:
The mandatory legal authorization from local municipalities and utilities required before an installation can begin.
5. Solar Energy Reliability:
The consistent performance of a system to meet power demands and provide a resilient, decentralized energy source.
1. Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE):
A metric calculating the total lifetime cost of a system divided by its total expected energy production.
2. Payback Period:
The estimated time it takes for a solar system's cumulative energy savings to equal its initial installation cost.
3. Independent Solar Consultant:
A professional advocate who provides unbiased designs and contractor oversight rather than representing a single installer.
4. Vetted Contractor Network:
A group of solar installers who have undergone rigorous background, license, and insurance checks to ensure quality.
5. RFP (Request for Proposal):
A formal process used to solicit competitive bids from multiple vetted contractors for a specific residential or commercial solar project.
6. FEOC Compliant:
Equipment that meets "Foreign Entity of Concern" standards, ensuring components are not sourced from prohibited entities to secure specific federal incentives.
Frequently Asked ?’s
1. How do I know if a solar quote is accurate?
Quotes should align with actual usage, realistic production, and transparent analysis.
2. How does solar increase energy independence?
By reducing reliance on utilities and providing on-site power generation.
3. Can solar provide backup power?
Yes—solar paired with batteries can keep essential circuits powered during outages.
4. What happens during a power outage?
Grid-tied systems shut down for safety unless paired with battery storage.
5. What if my roof needs work?
Roof repairs or replacements can often be coordinated as part of the solar project.
6. Do solar panels void roof warranties?
No, when installed correctly with approved mounting systems.
7. Can solar be installed on a metal roof?
Yes—metal roofs are often ideal when properly mounted.
8. What charges does solar offset?
Primarily energy generation charges, and in some cases portions of demand or peak usage charges.
9. Why is my electric bill so high?
Bills include energy use plus transmission, distribution, and regulatory charges that increase over time.
10. How long do solar panels last?
Most panels are warrantied for 25–30 years and often perform beyond that timeframe.
11. How reliable is solar energy?
Solar systems are designed to last decades and perform consistently when properly designed.
12.Is solar worth it for my property?
That depends on roof condition, shading, utility rates, and energy usage—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
13. Will solar panels save me money?
Often yes, but savings depend on energy usage, rates, system size, and financing—not estimates alone.
14. How do solar panels work?
They convert sunlight into electricity, which powers your home or business and reduces utility usage.
15. How long does the entire process take?
Residential projects typically take 4–6 months from signing to Permission to Operate (PTO). Commercial projects, due to their complexity, can take 12–24 months.
16. What is an "FEOC Compliant" system?
This ensures that your system components are not sourced from prohibited foreign entities, which is a requirement for certain federal incentives.
1. How much will solar actually save me?
Savings vary based on your utility rates and usage. 25-year financial projections include the rising costs of traditional utility energy versus fixed solar payments.
2. Can nonprofits like churches really benefit from solar?
Yes. Federal programs (like elective pay) now allow tax-exempt organizations to receive direct payments for solar investments.
3. What if I can't afford a large upfront payment?
Our partners offer $0-down financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for those with qualified credit.
4. Is solar still worth it in California after NEM 3.0?
Yes, navigating the new Net Billing Tariff by properly sizing battery storage, maximizes your self-consumption and avoids high utility demand charges.