A graphical plot or representation the current and voltage output of a solar photovoltaic cell or module as a load on the device is increased from short circuit (no load) condition to the open circuit condition; used to characterize cell/module performanc ...

To heat a gaseous mixture to the temperature at which combustion takes place.

The minimum temperature at which combustion of a solid or fluid can occur.

A measure of the amount of light incident on a surface; measured in foot-candles or Lux.

A turbine that is driven by high velocity jets of water or steam from a nozzle directed to vanes or buckets attached to a wheel. (A pelton wheel is an impulse hydroturbine).

These lights use an electrically heated filament to produce light in a vacuum or inert gas-filled bulb.

The amount of solar radiation striking a surface per unit of time and area.

A company or individual that is not directly regulated as a utility. These entities produce power for their own use and/or sell it to regulated utilities.

A passive solar heating system in which the sun warms a heat storage element, and the heat is distributed to the interior space by convection, conduction, and radiation.

A type of water heater that circulates water through a heat exchanger in a boiler. The heated water then flows into an insulated storage tank.

The production of an electric current in a conductor by the variation of a magnetic field in its vicinity.

A device that converts the mechanical energy of rotation into electricity based on electromagnetic induction. An electric voltage (electromotive force) is induced in a conducting loop (or coil) when there is a change in the number of magnetic field lines ...

A motor in which a three phase (or any multiphase) alternating current (i.e. the working current) is supplied to iron-cored coils (or windings) within the stator. As a result, a rotating magnetic field is set up, which induces a magnetizing current in the ...

The thermal energy used in an industrial process.

A gas that does not react with other substances; e.g. argon or krypton; sealed between two sheets of glazing to decrease the U-value (increase the R-Value) of windows.

Electromagnetic radiation whose wavelengths lie in the range from 0.75 micrometer to 1000 micrometers; invisible long wavelength radiation (heat) capable of producing a thermal or photovoltaic effect, though less effective than visible light.

The solar power density incident on a surface of stated area and orientation, usually expressed as Watts per square meter or Btu per square foot per hour.

The total capacity of electrical generation devices in a power station or system.

The amount of energy absorbed (or converted) by a solar collector (or photovoltaic cell or module) over a 15 minute period.

Materials that prevent or slow down the movement of heat.