Cell – A photovoltaic cell is a semiconductor diode that converts light into electricity (direct current/ DC). Multiple solar cells can be connected together to form modules.

Module – A group of PV cells sealed in a protective layer to protect them from the environment.

Panel – These can include one or more modules wired together to create one whole panel.

Array – Consisting of a number of wired together solar panels or modules, an array can vary dramatically in size according to the system requirements.

Inverter – Converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This means the electricity generated by your solar panels which is DC can be inverted to AC for use from sockets/ outlets.

Collector – Used in reference to solar thermal, collectors absorb solar radiation and transfer the heat into a medium like water or solar fluid for use.

Shingle – Solar modules designed to look like and blend in with traditional roof shingles, and may also be referred to as solar tiles or slates.

Storage battery – These allow you to capture and store energy created by a solar PV system to be used at any time, for example in the evening when panels may not be generating, or in the winter when the energy demand is higher.

Tracker – A mechanical system that moves the angle of solar panels to match the path of the sun, thus maximising the amount of energy they capture.

Solar Thermal – Also known as solar water heating, solar thermal uses energy from the sun (absorbed by collectors) to heat water.

Photovoltaic (PV) Solar – Collecting and converting energy from the sun (solar radiation) into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then inverted into alternating current (AC) for use.

Roof mounted – Mounting systems that are used to attach solar panels to the surface of a roof.

Ground mounted – Solar arrays mounted on a framework on the ground – often a good alternative for anyone whose property is unsuitable for roof mounted panels.

Farm (also known as solar fields)- Large areas of land where solar panels are set up to generate energy at scale.

Concentrated solar – Mirrors or lenses are used to concentrate sunlight and using heat to generate electricity. The most common types are power tower, dish, parabolic and linear.

Kilowatt (kW) – Unit of measurement for electrical power (equal to 1000 watts).

Kilowatt-hour (kWh) – A measure of energy equal to using 1000 watts per hour.

Renewable energy – Energy generated from a source that is not used up/ depleted in the process. This includes solar, wind and tidal energy generation.

Alternating current (AC) – An electric current that constantly changes direction.

Direct current (DC) – An electric current that only flows in one direction.

Electrical grid – A network of transmission lines that deliver electricity from suppliers to consumers.

Off grid – To have no dependence on the grid electricity supply.

Monocrystalline – A kind of photovoltaic cell made from a slice of single-crystal silicon, where the entire cell is oriented in one direction.

Polycrystalline (also referred to as Multicrystalline) – A photovoltaic material made up of silicon offcuts, creating tiny individual crystals which are oriented in various directions.

Amorphous – A thin-film photovoltaic cell made from non-crystalline silicon that has a more glassy structure.