Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
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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.
Technologies to harness solar power as a path to low-carbon energy are developing at breakneck speed. How can developing countries best make use of them to benefit the millions of rural poor who still live without electricity?
A
Active solar
Directly harnessing solar energy to produce either electricity or hot water.
Alternating current (AC)
A type of electrical current in which the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. AC is the form in which electricity is used in distribution grids.
