|
|
| Solar fraction
|
|
The percentage of a building's seasonal energy requirements that can be met by a solar energy device(s) or system(s). |
| Solar furnace
|
|
A device that achieves very high temperatures by the use of reflectors to focus and concentrate sunlight onto a small receiver. |
| Solar gain
|
|
The amount of energy that a building absorbs due to solar energy striking its exterior and conducting to the interior or passing through windows and being absorbed by materials in the building. |
| Solar heating
|
|
Heating method of energy gained from sunlight by use of special glass panels. |
| Solar irradiation
|
|
The amount of solar radiation, both direct and diffuse, received at any location. |
| Solar mass
|
|
A term used for materials used to absorb and store solar energy. |
| Solar module (panel)
|
|
A solar photovoltaic device that produces a specified power output under defined test conditions, usually composed of groups of solar cells connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel combinations. |
| Solar noon
|
|
The time of the day, at a specific location, when the sun reaches its highest, apparent point in the sky; equal to true or due, geographic south. |
| Solar one
|
|
A solar thermal electric central receiver power plant ("power tower") located in Barstow, California, and completed in 1981. The Solar One had a design capacity of 10,000 peak kilowatts, and was composed of a receiver located on the top of a tower surrounded by a field of reflectors. The concentrated sunlight created steam to drive a steam turbine and electric generator located on the ground. |
| Solar pond
|
|
A body of water that contains brackish (highly saline) water that forms layers of differing salinity (stratifies) that absorb and trap solar energy. Solar ponds can be used to provide heat for industrial or agricultural processes, building heating and cooling, and to generate electricity. |
|
|
|
|
|
