A measure used to define the spectral distribution of sunlight Load due to the weight of all walls, permanent partitions, for the illumination equipment used to test modules. It repre- roofs, floors and all other permanent construction. sents the path length of sunlight through the atmosphere and is expressed in comparison with unit path length where the Diffuse radiation sun is directly overhead (only possible for latitudes between Solar radiation scattered by the atmosphere, particularly the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn). clouds. Air-Mass 1.5 (AM 1.5) Direct current (DC) The air-mass number where the path of sunlight through the Electric current which flows in one direction from the positive atmosphere is 50% longer than when the sun is directly over- terminal of an illuminated PV module through electric loads head. The sun’s direction is 48° from the overhead position, as to the negative terminal. relevant for latitudes outside of the Tropics. Direct radiation Alternating current (AC) Solar radiation transmitted directly through the atmosphere. Electric current in which the direction of flow is reversed continuously. The conventional grid supply is AC at 60Hz in Diode An electronic component that conducts electricity in one Europe and 50Hz in North America. direction only. Amorphous E The microscopic physical state of a solid in which the atoms are not arranged in the orderly pattern of the crystalline form. Electron Awnings Negatively charged atomic particle. An electric current is the Covering to screen persons or parts of buildings from the sun movement of electrons through a material, such as a metal or or rain. semiconductor. B EVA A common encapsulation medium for cells in PV modules. It is Balance of system (BOS) cross-linkable ethylene vinyl acetate. The parts of a PV system other than the PV array itself, for G example support structure, wiring, isolators and invertors. Building envelope Gasket The outside of a building that contains the interior space, A preformed elastic seal used between joints of different com- including the roof, the skin or waterproof covering of the ponents. Often used to accommodate tolerance or movement structure. whilst also providing a barrier against wind and rain. Bypass diode Global irradiance A bypass diode is connected in parallel across a part of the The total irradiance (sunlight intensity) falling on a surface, solar cells of a PV module. It protects these solar cells from this being the sum of the direct and diffuse irradiance. thermal destruction in case of total or partial shading of indi- vidual solar cells whilst other cells are exposed to full light. Grid (on a PV cell) It is connected in reverse to the polarity of the module so that The patterned metal contact on the top of the PV cell. it only conducts when the module is shaded. I C Inverter Cladding panel A PV inverter is a power converter which transforms DC volt- A generic term for an element which provides a “skin” to the age and current from PV modules into single or multiphase building. It may attach directly to the building superstructure AC voltage and current. A grid-connected inverter is designed or may be supported off a secondary frame of mullions and to convert energy only when the mains grid is available. transoms. Irradiance Conversion efficiency The instantaneous intensity of solar radiation on a surface The ratio of the electrical energy produced by a PV cell (or (W/m2). module) to the energy from sunlight incident on the cell (or module). This is usually quoted under standard test condi- Irradiation tions (STC). The cumulative amount of solar energy received on a surface (kWh/m2). Crystalline Insolation The microscopic physical state of a solid where the atoms are arranged in an ordered pattern. Incoming solar radiation measured at given location and a given tilt angle. Curtain wall A system of lightweight wall construction usually comprising L transparent and opaque panels supported on an aluminium frame which carry no vertical loads other than those due to Live load its self-weight and any equipment attached to it and no hori- Variable load produced by the intended occupancy or use zontal loads other than those due to wind, maintenance and (people, furniture, electrical appliances). Wind load is not occupancy. included in the live load.