A D

Air-mass number Dead load

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

174 14. GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND INDEX