Solar for commercial or personal property inevitably means engaging with some terminology that might not be familiar. The language surrounding solar PV (photovoltaics) installation can feel overwhelming.
We asked our Communications and Projects Director Kat Auckland to explain some of the terminology that solar PV installer use regularly.
In addition to Kat’s helpful guides, we have provided a breakdown of key terms and concepts to help you navigate the world of solar energy with confidence.
Energy Units and Measurements
kWh – Kilowatt Hour
A unit of energy measurement representing one kilowatt of power used for one hour. For example, a 1 kW appliance running for 10 hours uses 10 kWh.
kWp – Kilowatt Peak
The maximum output a solar PV system can produce under optimal conditions, such as full sunlight.
MW (Megawatt)
A measure of power equal to 1,000 kilowatts (kW). Often used for larger-scale energy systems and installations.
GW (Gigawatt)
A measure of power equal to 1,000 megawatts (MW). We start to use this terminology when we talk about large scale solar farms or regional energy usage.
TW (Terawatt)
A unit of power equal to one trillion watts. It’s often referenced when discussing global energy consumption. After this is the Petawatt (PW) which is 1000 TW. We rarely use this term, but we are likely to use this in the future!
MTPA – Million Tonnes Per Annum
A measure often used in carbon emissions discussions, representing how many million tonnes of CO2 are emitted or offset annually.
Click to watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/kBY6LIrQtE8?si=fxh–YJyUScskmlT
Carbon and Environmental Terms
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
A greenhouse gas (GHG) that contributes to global warming. Solar PV systems help reduce CO2 emissions by generating clean energy.
CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) Other greenhouse gases, such as methane, are measured in CO2e to provide a uniform standard for emissions accounting.
GHG (Greenhouse Gas)
A group of gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Reducing GHG emissions is a key driver for renewable energy adoption.
Net Zero
Achieving a balance between the amount of GHG emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere. Businesses often turn to solar PV to meet Net Zero targets.
Scope 1, 2, 3 Emissions
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (e.g., company vehicles).
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity or heat. Solar PV installations are a proven way of helping companies reduce their scope 2 emissions.
- Scope 3: All other indirect emissions, such as those from supply chains or business travel.
Solar PV Technology
Solar PV (Photovoltaic)
A technology that converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells.
Solar Cells
The individual units within a solar panel that convert sunlight into electricity. Multiple cells make up a solar panel.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Solar panels made from a single silicon crystal. They are highly efficient and durable, making them a popular choice for solar installations.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Solar panels made from multiple silicon fragments melted together. They are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline but are more affordable.
Solar Array
A collection of multiple solar panels working together to produce electricity.
Insolation
The amount of solar radiation received in a specific area. Higher insolation means more potential energy generation.
Energy Systems and Processes
Renewable Heat
Heat generated from renewable sources, such as solar thermal panels, air source heat pumps (ASHP), or ground source heat pumps (GSHP).
EV (Electric Vehicle)
A vehicle powered by electricity stored in batteries. EVs can be charged using solar PV systems, further reducing carbon footprints.
Grid
The electricity network that delivers power from producers to consumers. Solar PV systems can feed surplus electricity into the grid.
DNO (Distribution Network Operator)
The company responsible for operating and maintaining the electricity distribution network in a specific region.
G98/G99 Forms
Applications required in the UK to connect solar PV systems to the grid. These ensure compliance with technical and safety standards.
Financial and Regulatory Terms
PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)
A contract where a developer installs solar PV systems at no upfront cost, and the customer buys the generated electricity at a fixed rate.
FiT (Feed-in Tariff)
A scheme that paid solar PV owners for the electricity they generated and exported to the grid. While now closed to new applicants in the UK, it’s an important term in the history of solar incentives.
SEG (Smart Export Guarantee)
A replacement for FiT in the UK. It ensures small-scale renewable energy generators are paid for surplus electricity exported to the grid.
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
A framework businesses use to measure their sustainability and social responsibility. Solar PV adoption is a common part of ESG strategies.
Understanding these terms is the first step toward making informed decisions about solar PV systems. Whether you’re considering an installation for your business or personal use, being familiar with this terminology will help you understand the solar and renewable landscape and make the best choices for your energy needs.
If you want to know more about solar for your business, then feel free to get in touch.
