A group of solar collectors or solar modules connected together.
Solar azimuth
The angle between the sun's apparent position in the sky and true south, as measured on a horizontal plane.
Solar cell
A solar photovoltaic device with a specified area.
Solar collector
A device used to collect, absorb, and transfer solar energy to a working fluid.
Solar collector or panel
Panels which are used to capture sunlight to turn it into energy so that it can be used to heat a structure, pool, etc. Collectors consist of a variety of types but, in all, the water is pumped through and absorbs the heat from the tubes or panels. This hot water is stores in an insulated tank for use.
Solar constant
The average amount of solar radiation that reaches the earth's upper atmosphere on a surface perpendicular to the sun's rays; equal to 1353 Watts per square meter or 492 BTU per square foot.
Solar cooling
The use of solar thermal energy or solar electricity to power a cooling appliance. There are five basic types of solar cooling technologies.
Solar declination
The apparent angle of the sun north or south of the earth's equatorial plane. The earth's rotation on its axis causes a daily change in the declination.
Solar distillation
The process of distilling (purifying) water using solar energy. Water can be placed in an air tight solar collector with a sloped glazing material, and as it heats and evaporates, distilled water condenses on the collector glazing, and runs down where it can be collected in a tray.
Solar energy efficiency
Electromagnetic energy transmitted from the sun (solar radiation). The amount that reaches the earth is equal to one billionth of total solar energy generated, or the equivalent of about 420 trillion kilowatt-hours.
