A measure of the amount of energy lost during the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

The thermal energy used in an industrial process.

The ability to send or wheel electric power to a customer over a transmission and distribution system that is not owned by the generator (seller) of the power.

The power output of a device under specific or nominal operating conditions.

A wheel that is designed to use the weight and/or force of moving water to turn it, primarily to operate machinery or grind grain.

A solar energy concentrating technology that uses a linear receiver that tracks the focal area of a reflector or array of reflectors.

A component of a water heating system that opens at a designated temperature or pressure to prevent a possible tank, radiator, or delivery pipe rupture.

The fine liquid or solid particles contained in combustion gases. The quantity and size of particulates emitted by cars, power and industrial plants, wood stoves, etc are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Any material that has a limited capacity for conducting an electric current. Certain semiconductors, including silicon, gallium arsenide, copper indium diselenide, and cadmium telluride, are uniquely suited to the photovoltaic conversion process.

A device that transfers heat by the continuous evaporation and condensation of an internal fluid.

A type of incandescent lamp with an interior coating of aluminum that reflects light to the front of the bulb. They are designed to spread light over specific areas.

A unit or measure of solar radiation; 1 calorie per square meter or 3.69 Btu per square foot.

A product of crude oil that is used for space heating, diesel engines, and electrical generation.

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.

An electric current induced by radiant energy.

The compound (working fluid) used in air conditioners, heat pumps, and refrigerators to transfer heat into or out of an interior space. This fluid boils at a very low temperature enabling it to evaporate and absorb heat.

The change in the power available in the wind due to changes in the windspeed or velocity profile; the windpower profile is proportional to the cube of the wind speed profile.

The addition of dopants to a semiconductor.

A power source/generator that operates independently of or is not connected to an electric transmission and distribution network; used to meet a load(s) physically close to the generator.

A type of cooling system that uses a charging and discharging cycle with a thermal or latent heat storage subsystem.