Solar collector thermal performance ratings based on collector efficiencies, usually expressed in Btu per hour for solar collectors under standard test or operating conditions for solar radiation intensity, inlet working fluid temperatures, and ambient te ...

Power generated by a utility unit that operates at a very low capacity factor; generally used to meet short-lived and variable high demand periods.

An instrument for measuring solar radiation.

Fuels that cannot be easily made or "renewed," such as oil, natural gas, and coal.

An index that combines sensible temperature and air humidity to arrive at a number that closely responds to the effective temperature; used to relate temperature and humidity to levels of comfort.

The generation of an electric current, when two conductors of different metals are joined at their ends to form a circuit, with the two junctions kept at different temperatures.

A configuration of an electrical circuit in which the positive lead is connected to the negative lead of another energy producing, conducting, or consuming device. The voltages of each device are additive, whereas the current is not.

The amount of time required for positive cash flows to equal the total investment costs.

The amount that the voltage, current, and/or power output of a solar cell changes due to a change in the cell temperature.

This committee has jurisdiction on: coal production, distribution and utilization; energy policy; energy research, conservation, and development; hydroelectric power; irrigation; mineral conservation; nonmilitary development of nuclear energy; solar energ ...

A mainly flat surface for transmitting radiant energy.

An electricity generating facility that uses geothermal energy.

A discontinuance of electric power supply.

The area of glass that fits in the window frame.

A type of solar thermal collector in which a heat transfer fluid drips out of header pipe at the top of the collector, runs down the collector absorber and into a tray at the bottom where it drains to a storage tank.

The rate of energy transfer equivalent to one ampere under an electrical pressure of one volt. One watt equals 1/746 horsepower, or one joule per second. It is the product of Voltage and Current (amperage).

A machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by magneto-electric induction; may be used as a motor.

The electrical and magnetic fields created by the presence or flow of electricity in an electrical conductor or electricity consuming appliance or motor.

A measure of the percent of moisture actually in the air compared with what would be in it if it were fully saturated at that temperature. When the air is fully saturated, its relative humidity is 100 percent.

A way of joining photovoltaic cells or modules by connecting positive leads together and negative leads together; such a configuration increases the current, but not the voltage.