Tools and Equipment for Photovoltaic Installation
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Photovoltaic Installation Techniques course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
1 #
Alternating Current (AC)
Specific Term #
Alternating Current (AC)
Concept #
Alternating Current is an electric current that reverses direction periodically. It is the type of electricity commonly used in homes and businesses, as it can be easily converted to different voltages using transformers.
Explanation #
AC is the type of electricity that flows back and forth in a circuit. It is generated by power plants and transmitted through power lines to homes and buildings. AC can easily be converted to different voltages using transformers, making it suitable for various applications.
2 #
Ampere (A)
Specific Term #
Ampere (A)
Concept #
Ampere is the unit of electric current, measuring the rate of flow of electric charge in a circuit. One ampere is equal to one coulomb of charge passing through a point in one second.
Explanation #
Ampere is used to quantify the amount of electric current flowing in a circuit. It is a fundamental unit in electrical engineering and is crucial for determining the capacity of wires, fuses, and other components in an electrical system.
3 #
Direct Current (DC)
Specific Term #
Direct Current (DC)
Concept #
Direct Current is an electric current that flows in one direction continuously. It is commonly used in batteries and solar panels, where a constant flow of electrons is required.
Explanation #
DC is the type of electricity produced by solar panels, which converts sunlight into electrical energy. It is also used in batteries to store energy for later use. DC can be converted to AC using inverters for powering household appliances.
4 #
Inverter
Specific Term #
Inverter
Concept #
An inverter is a device that converts DC electricity into AC electricity. It is commonly used in photovoltaic systems to convert the electricity generated by solar panels into a form that can be used to power household appliances.
Explanation #
An inverter is essential in photovoltaic systems to convert the DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity that can be used in homes and businesses. It ensures compatibility with existing electrical systems and appliances.
5 #
Kilowatt (kW)
Specific Term #
Kilowatt (kW)
Concept #
Kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. It is commonly used to measure the capacity of electrical devices, such as solar panels, inverters, and generators.
Explanation #
Kilowatt is a standard unit for expressing the power output of electrical devices. In the context of photovoltaic systems, the capacity of solar panels and inverters is often measured in kilowatts to indicate their energy production capabilities.
6 #
Multimeter
Specific Term #
Multimeter
Concept #
A multimeter is a versatile tool used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. It is essential for diagnosing electrical problems and ensuring the proper functioning of photovoltaic systems.
Explanation #
A multimeter is a must-have tool for photovoltaic installers to check the electrical parameters of solar panels, inverters, and other components. It helps in troubleshooting issues and verifying the performance of the system.
7 #
Ohm
Specific Term #
Ohm
Concept #
Ohm is the unit of electrical resistance, measuring the opposition to the flow of current in a circuit. One ohm is equal to one volt per ampere.
Explanation #
Ohm is used to quantify the resistance of electrical components in a circuit. It is crucial for determining the load on a photovoltaic system and ensuring the efficient flow of electricity through the system.
8 #
Photovoltaic (PV)
Specific Term #
Photovoltaic (PV)
Concept #
Photovoltaic refers to the technology that converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells. Photovoltaic systems consist of solar panels that generate DC electricity when exposed to sunlight.
Explanation #
Photovoltaic systems harness the energy of sunlight to produce electricity, making them a sustainable and renewable energy source. Solar panels are the key components of photovoltaic systems that capture sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.
9 #
Solar Panel
Specific Term #
Solar Panel
Concept #
A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. It is the primary component of a photovoltaic system and is responsible for generating DC electricity.
Explanation #
Solar panels are made up of multiple photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. They are installed on rooftops or in open areas to capture sunlight and produce clean energy.
10 #
Volt
Specific Term #
Volt
Concept #
Volt is the unit of electric potential difference, measuring the force that drives electric current in a circuit. One volt is equal to one joule per coulomb.
Explanation #
Volt is used to quantify the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit. It determines the flow of electric current and is crucial for ensuring the proper operation of electrical devices in a photovoltaic system.