Volteam Electric Glossary
AC charging:
AC stands for alternating current, the type of power mostly associated with charging an electric vehicle (EV).
Adaptor:
The main purpose of an EV adaptor is to enable an electric car to connect to multiple types of EV chargers. For instance, the only way for Tesla cars to connect to other types of EV chargers is through an adaptor.
Alternating current (AC):
Unlike direct current (DC), alternating current (AC) flows in switching directions, going forwards and then backwards. AC electricity remains to be the current choice for most homes and businesses because transmission over long distances is easy and without the risk of significant energy loss.
Annual solar energy yield:
When calculating your solar power system’s value and its potential for generating savings, one of the factors that need going over is your annual solar energy yield, the total energy output of your system per year in kilowatt-hours.
Battery:
Electrochemical devices used for storing energy. A solar PV system will require a battery to store surplus solar power generated by your solar panels, which you can use as backup.
Battery Booster:
The Queensland government’s solar battery rebate program that offers rebates of between $3,000 and $4,000. The scheme aims to make solar battery storage systems more accessible for qualified households.
Battery capacity:
Refers to the total quantity of electrical energy a battery can supply before discharging entirely. Battery capacity is frequently greater than usable capacity since numerous types of batteries run the risk of damage if fully discharged.
Battery cycle life:
A battery’s cycle life is how many times it can perform a full charge and discharge cycle, a key factor in determining a solar battery’s lifespan.
Clean Energy Council (CEC):
The Clean Energy Council (or CEC) is Australia’s regulatory association for the renewable energy industry in the country. Not only do they give accreditation to solar installers, they also support consumers to adopt renewable energy through public advocacy and industry standards development.
Connector:
Different types of EV charging connectors work with different vehicles, charging speeds, and locations. The Type 2 (also known as Mennekes) connector is currently the standard AC plug type for EVs in Australia.
Current:
Refers to the flow of electricity consisting of two types: Direct current (DC), which is the flow of electric charge in a single direction and alternating current (AC), as its name suggests, is the flow of electric charge in periodic reversing direction.
DC Fast charging:
Commercial public charging stations utilise DC fast charging for greater speed, efficiency, and convenience, all things you need when making quick charging stops. DC fast charging, also called Level 3, converts AC power from the grid into DC power for an EV’s battery, so it can charge faster.
Direct current (DC):
The type of electricity that flows in only one direction and the very form of electricity that solar panels produce. Homes, however, cannot use direct current as is. This is where your solar power system’s inverter comes in, as the inverter converts DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, which homes and businesses use.
Discharge:
Battery discharge occurs when the battery gets depleted of its charge. For instance, a battery producing electrical energy discharges, resulting in the reduction of the energy stored inside it. When it’s fully discharged, it means there’s no energy left you can use.
Efficiency:
High efficiency in solar panels means that your solar power system has the incredible capacity to convert more sunlight into electrical energy. Because they perform better and produce higher energy yield, high efficiency panels tend to be pricier.
Energy storage:
Allows consumers to store excess energy produced by solar panels during the day for later use. For residential and business applications, solar batteries are used for this particular purpose.
Electric vehicle (EV):
The development in transportation technology brought us the EV, a car that runs on electricity, unlike traditional vehicles that are operated through the use of fossil fuels. EVs are quickly becoming the preferred car in Australia and around the globe because they’re easier and cheaper to maintain than gas-powered vehicles. They’re also clearly an eco-friendly alternative.
Feed-in-tariff:
A credit you can receive for any unused electricity sent back to the grid. Also called a buy-back rate. The policy supports the development of renewable energy sources while allowing consumers to earn extra savings.
Grid:
One of the benefits of solar power is how you can reduce your reliance on the grid, which, in totality, pertains to the connected network of electricity infrastructure, as well as the transmission and distribution lines that deliver electricity to consumers.
Inverter:
One of the most essential pieces of equipment in a solar system, the inverter’s primary function is to convert direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of current that homes and businesses can use to power their devices and appliances.
kilowatt (kW):
A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In solar power systems, it indicates the maximum output that a solar system can generate. For example, a 10kW solar panel system can produce up to 10 kilowatts of power provided the conditions are ideal.
kilowatt-hour (kWh, kW·h):
A kWh measures energy, or the total amount of electricity used. It’s worth noting that while they are related, kilowatts and kilowatt-hours are not the same. Kilowatts are a measure of power and kilowatt-hours are a measure of energy.
Level 1 charging:
The basic charging option for your electric car at home and is typically included when buying an EV. It is the slowest method of the three EV charging levels, although it can be enough for drivers who charge their EV overnight and travel 30-40 miles per day.
Level 2 charging:
The immediate type of EV charging offering higher-speed charging. It’s commonly used for homes, workplaces, and even public charging. Level 2 charging is ideal if you drive more than 40 miles each day.
Level 3 charging:
Also called DC fast charging, it is capable of charging 80% of the EV’s battery in less than 20 minutes to 1 hour for most cars, which is why Level 3 charging is used in public charging stations. Its impressive speed is due to its use of direct current (DC), making it faster than both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.
Lithium Ion:
A rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions to transfer charge between the positive and negative electrodes during discharge and charging. A staple component in consumer electronics, electric cars, and more, it’s known for its high energy density and low self-discharge rate.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4):
An increasing number of EVs uses Lithium Iron Phosphate for their enhanced safety. It is composed of lithium, iron, and phosphate ions, making it lighter and more stable than other standard batteries.
Off-grid:
Going off-grid means exactly as it sounds — not being connected to the grid, hence not part of the network. A really large solar PV system and sufficient battery storage are required for those who want to go off-grid.
Renewable energy:
Natural sources of energy meant as an alternative to fossil fuels or nuclear power. The big three sources are solar, wind, and hydroelectricity. Energy from natural sources are constantly replenished, meaning there’s permanent supply.
Photovoltaic (PV):
Solar panels contain photovoltaic materials, which enable panels to generate electricity by being exposed to sunlight.
Power rating:
The amount of energy the battery can deliver at once. Solar batteries with the appropriate power rating can handle your energy demands even during peak times, allowing your household to use multiple appliances simultaneously.
Public charging:
These are electric vehicle charging stations available to the public. EV drivers who need quick charging stops can use apps like ChargePoint to find a public charging station within their vicinity. Public places to charge your EV use DC fast charging.
Solar array:
It’s basically the layout of solar panels — a group of solar panels wired together to make an electrical power output. Installers then merge a solar array with an inverter and battery to complete a solar power system. A solar array can be customised to tailor your specific energy needs.
Solar cells:
Typically made of silicon and described as an electrical device that uses sunlight to generate electricity, solar cells are used to make solar panels. It works when the silicon absorbs the photons emitted by the sun’s rays.
Solar energy:
Energy created from sunlight. Solar panels are used to harness solar energy from the sun, which is then converted to solar power and delivered as a direct current to your inverter. Finally, your solar system’s inverter converts this direct current to alternating current, which becomes the usable version of energy that powers homes and businesses.
Solar power:
While solar energy is the energy that the sun produces, solar power is the resulting electricity generated by the solar panels.
STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate):
Also called the Solar Rebate, STC’s are a part of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target. These technology certificates exist for the purpose of reducing solar installation costs. Homeowners or businesses switching to solar are entitled to a number of STC’s, the amount of which depends on the size of the system being installed.
Tier 1:
Tier 1 in the solar power industry means manufacturers that have been rated as Tier 1 by an independent PV industry analyst. Often used to determine quality, Tier 1 solar panels are those produced by leading solar panel manufacturers. Consumers should watch out for solar installers advertising ‘Tier 1 panels’ without revealing the brand.
