Putting science
at the heart of development
Definitions
Below is a directory of terms used in discussions about solar power. Most of the terms have been reproduced from the International Energy Agency, the UN Environment Programme or the US Department of Energy.
Climate change is the greatest challenge facing the world today. Long-term development planning must now include measures to deal with it.
M
Megawatt (MW)
A unit of power equal to one million watts.
Microfinance
The provision of very small loans to low-income people or groups, mostly in developing countries. Microfinance providers often require no collateral or down payment to assure repayment.
Monocrystalline cells
Single crystal solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, made from very thin silicone. They are the most efficient type of PV cells.
Multicrystalline cells
Solar photovoltaic cells made from silicon with variously oriented, small, individual crystals. These are less efficient than monocrystalline cells but are cheaper to produce. Also called polycrystalline or semicrystalline cells.
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