Solar power

Solar power

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaics convert light into electric current using the photoelectric effect.

Industry: Energy

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Solar power

Equalisation

Energy; Solar power

The process of restoring all cells in a battery to an equal state-of-charge. Some battery types may require a complete discharge as a part of the equalisation process.

Equalisation charge

Energy; Solar power

The process of mixing the electrolyte in batteries by periodically overcharging the batteries for a short time.

Trickle charge

Energy; Solar power

A charge at a low rate, balancing through self-discharge losses, to maintain a cell or battery in a fully charged condition.

Equalising charge

Energy; Solar power

A continuation of normal battery charging, at a voltage level slightly higher than the normal end-of-charge voltage, in order to provide cell equalisation within a battery.

Two-axis tracking

Energy; Solar power

A photovoltaic array tracking system capable of rotating independently about two axes (e.g., vertical and horizontal).

Equinox

Energy; Solar power

The two times of the year when the sun crosses the equator and night and day are of equal length; usually occurs on March 21st (spring equinox) and September 23 (fall equinox).