Understanding 3 Key Solar Energy Terms and Definitions
You’ve probably heard that “solar power is the future.” While that’s a very hopeful and uplifting statement, you’re probably wondering how it works. Luckily, you came to the right place! We’re here to help you understand three key solar energy terms and definitions to help you grasp some of the most important parts about solar power.
Photovoltaic
No matter what kind of solar power setup you have, whether you’re on the grid or off it, “photovoltaic” is a word you should know. It is through photovoltaics that light becomes energy. Your panels collect light, and a solar inverter converts that light into usable electricity for your home. Without photovoltaics, solar panels wouldn’t do a thing!
Solar Battery
We mentioned solar batteries earlier, so let’s look a little closer. Solar batteries are an add-on to a solar panel system. While people don’t need them to experience the benefits of solar power, some people want them for extra security.
They work by storing excess energy from your panels that you don’t use. Then, on a rainy day, your home can draw from the excess power in your solar batteries instead of falling back on your local grid. While it’s an additional initial expense, it can save you money in the long run. Batteries are especially necessary if you want to go off-grid (since then you’d have no grid to fall back on).
Commercial Solar
Commercial solar works the same as residential solar—usually, with a bunch of solar panels on a roof—but at a business building rather than a home. Commercial solar installations are often much larger than residential ones, since a business typically requires more power than a home. If you’re interested in solar power for your business, NM Solar Group is a reputable commercial solar company in New Mexico!
Now that you have an understanding of three key solar energy terms and definitions, we hope you have a greater appreciation for the wide uses of solar panels. No matter your energy needs, solar panels can provide!