Building Integrated Photovoltaics; A term for the design and integration of PV into the building envelope, typically replacing conventional building materials. This integration may be in vertical facades, replacing view glass, spandrel glass, or other facade material; into semitransparent skylight systems; into roofing systems, into shading "eyebrows" over windows; or other building envelope systems.
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Blocking Diode
A diode used to restrict or block reverse current from flowing backward through a module. Alternatively, diode connected in series to a PV string; it protects its modules from a reverse power flow and, thus, against the risk of thermal destruction of solar cells.
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Bypass Diode
A diode connected across one or more solar cells in a photovoltaic module such that the diode will conduct if the cell(s) become reverse biased. It protects these solar cells from thermal destruction in case of total or partial shading of individual solar cells while other cells are exposed to full light.
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Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
A polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic material.
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Cathode
The negative pole or electrode of an electrolytic cell, vacuum tube, etc., where electrons enter (current leaves) the system.
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Cathodic protection
A method of preventing oxidation (rusting) of exposed metal structures, such as bridges and pipelines, by imposing between the structure and the ground a small electrical voltage that opposes the flow of electrons and that is greater than the voltage present during oxidation.
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CdTe
see cadmium telluride.
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Charge Controller
A component of a photovoltaic system that controls the flow of current to and from the battery to protect it from over-charge and over-discharge. The charge controller may also indicate the system operational status.
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Conductor
The material through which electricity is transmitted, such as an electrical wire, or transmission or distribution line.
