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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.
S
Satellite power system (SPS)
A concept for providing large amounts of electricity from one or more spaceborne satellites. A very large array of solar cells on each satellite would provide electricity, which would be converted to microwave energy and beamed to a receiving antenna on the ground. There, it would be reconverted into electricity and distributed through a grid.
Semiconductor
Any material that has a limited capacity for conducting an electric current. Certain semiconductors, including silicon, gallium arsenide, copper indium diselenide, and cadmium telluride, are uniquely suited to photovoltaics.
Silicon (Si)
A semi-metallic chemical element that makes an excellent semiconductor material for photovoltaic devices. It is commonly found in sand and quartz.
Solar cell
A cell that converts solar energy into electricity. See photovoltaic (PV) cell.
Solar collector
A device that receives solar energy and converts it to useful energy forms. Collectors range from flat plates put on roofs to parabolic dishes, power towers or solar pyramids used in solar power plants.
Solar dish
See parabolic dish.
Solar energy
Electromagnetic energy transmitted from the sun and converted into usable thermal or electrical energy. The amount that reaches the earth is about 420 trillion kilowatt hours, equivalent to one billionth of total solar energy generated.
Solar farm
See solar photovoltaic power station.
Solar home system
The most commonly used solar photovoltaic system to provide small amounts of electricity to rural households in developing countries. A solar home system consists of a solar panel, connected to a battery and charge controller. It usually includes at least one light and a socket to power electrical equipment such as radios, televisions or mobile phone chargers.
Solar panel
A device that collects energy from the sun. See photovoltaic module.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) power station
A power station that uses PV modules to generate utility-scale electricity. Some PV power stations use tracking systems to follow the sun's path across the sky. PV power stations have no fuels costs or emissions.
Solar pond
A body of water that contains highly saline water that absorbs and traps solar energy. Solar ponds can be used to provide heat for industrial or agricultural processes, for heating and cooling buildings, and for generating electricity.
Solar power tower
A solar system that uses a large field of independently adjustable mirrors (heliostats) to focus solar rays on a small point on a fixed tower (receiver). The concentrated energy may be used to directly heat the working fluid of a generator or to heat an intermediary thermal storage medium (such as a molten salt).
Solar thermal
Technology that harnesses solar energy for thermal energy (heat).
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