Solar energy conversion technologies that convert solar energy to electricity, by heating a working fluid to power a turbine that drives a generator. Examples of these systems include central receiver systems, parabolic dish, and solar trough.
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Solar-Grade Silicon
Intermediate-grade silicon used in the manufacture of solar cells. Less expensive than electronic-grade silicon.
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Sputtering
A process used to apply photovoltaic semiconductor material to a substrate by a physical vapor deposition process where high-energy ions are used to bombard elemental sources of semiconductor material, which eject vapors of atoms that are then deposited in thin layers on a substrate.
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Square Wave
A waveform that has only two states, (i.e., positive or negative). A square wave contains a large number of harmonics.
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Stand-Alone System
An autonomous or hybrid photovoltaic system not connected to a grid. May or may not have storage, but most stand-alone systems require batteries or some other form of storage.
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State-of-Charge (SOC)
The available capacity remaining in the battery, expressed as a percentage of the rated capacity.
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String
A number of modules or panels interconnected electrically in series to produce the operating voltage required by the load.
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Sulfation
A condition that afflicts unused and discharged batteries; large crystals of lead sulfate grow on the plate, instead of the usual tiny crystals, making the battery extremely difficult to recharge.
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Thin film
A layer of semiconductor material, such as copper indium diselenide, cadmium telluride, gallium arsenide, or amorphous silicon, a few microns or less in thickness, used to make photovoltaic cells. Commonly called amorphous.
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Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
The measure of closeness in shape between a waveform and it's fundamental component.
