Interactive Solar Energy Dictionary & Technical Glossary

Potential Induced Degradation (PID) mitigation technology engineered into high-voltage solar modules to prevent leakage current and cell power output loss over time.

The horizontal orientation of solar panels relative to true south. In India (Northern Hemisphere), optimal azimuth orientation is 180° true south for maximum daily solar irradiance capture.

The percentage of extra electricity generated by the rear side of a double-glass solar module due to ground surface reflection (albedo), typically adding 5% to 25% extra yield.

A specialized utility electricity meter installed during net-metering setup that measures both electricity imported from the grid and excess solar power exported back to the grid.

The rate at which a battery is charged or discharged relative to its maximum capacity. A 1C rate charges a 10kWh battery completely in 1 hour; 0.5C charges it in 2 hours.

Distribution Company (DISCOM)—the state-licensed public or private utility company responsible for distributing grid electricity and approving rooftop net-metering applications.

The deliberate capping of peak DC power production when solar panel array output exceeds the AC capacity rating of the string inverter during high midday irradiance.

Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI)—the total amount of shortwave solar radiation received per unit area on a horizontal surface, measured in Kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/m²/day).

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)—the safest and most durable lithium battery chemistry for solar energy storage, offering 6,000+ deep discharge cycles and high thermal stability.

Maximum Power Point Tracking—an electronic algorithm built into solar inverters that continuously optimizes voltage and current levels to extract maximum peak power from solar arrays.

A billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the excess electricity exported to the grid. Exported units offset monthly grid consumption units on electricity bills.

The ratio of actual clean electricity output to theoretical maximum output of a solar plant. High-quality rooftop systems maintain a Performance Ratio between 78% and 84%.

The fundamental physical process by which silicon semiconductor materials convert absorbed solar photon photons directly into direct electric current (DC).

The annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) electricity generation per peak kilowatt (kWp) of installed solar capacity. In Northern India, typical specific yield ranges between 1,400 to 1,600 kWh/kWp/year.

A centralized inverter unit connected to multiple series-connected solar panels (a string). Converts DC electricity into grid-compliant 230V/415V AC power.

The angle at which solar panels are mounted relative to the horizontal plane. Typically set equal to the site's latitude (e.g. 28° in Delhi/Noida) for year-round yield optimization.