SMA SUNNY DESIGN 3 - Manual (Page 35)

SMA Solar Technology AG 7 Glossary
User Manual SD3-SDW-BA-en-20 35
PV Array
Technical device for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. All series (= in series) and parallel installed and
connected PV modules of a PV system are referred to as a PV array.
A PV array in Sunny Design is a field of interconnected PV modules that fulfills the following requirements:
• Same manufacturer
• Same PV module
• Same location
• Same mounting type
• Same orientation, that is, the same tilt angle and same azimuth
PV Cell
An electronic component that generates electrical energy when irradiated with sunlight. Since the electrical voltage of a
single PV cell is very low (approximately 0.5 V), multiple PV cells are combined as PV modules. The most common
semiconductor material presently used for PV cells is silicon, which is used in different forms (monocrystalline,
polycrystalline, amorphous).
PV Module
Electrical connection of several PV cells encapsulated in an enclosure to protect the sensitive cells from mechanical stress
and environmental influences.
Rated Power
The inverter rated power is the active power that the inverter can continuously feed into the utility grid under nominal
conditions.
Reactive power
The value and prefix changes periodically with electrical alternating quantities (alternating current, alternating voltage).
In the utility grid, current and voltage have a sinusoidal shape. The product of current and voltage is power. The power
can, however, assume differing forms - depending on whether current and voltage are phase-shifted or not. Without a
phase shift (current and voltage reach their maximum and minimum values at the same time), the power oscillates
between zero and the positive maximum value. Over a temporal average period, this results in a positive power value
which is exclusively active power. In the case of a phase-shift of 90 degrees or ¼ period (maximum current at zero
voltage) the power, in contrast, assumes alternating positive and negative values. The temporal average is therefore zero,
known as reactive power, which "shuttles back and forth" in the cables. Many loads need a phase shift between current
and voltage so that reactive power always has to be transferred in the utility grid in addition to active power.
Self-Consumption
Power that your household draws from your PV system
Self-Consumption Quota
Ratio of self-consumption to generated energy of your PV system
Self-Sufficiency Quota
Ratio of self-consumption to total consumption
Specific Energy Yield
The specific energy yield is the amount of energy typically fed into the utility grid in a year in relation to the size (peak
power) of the PV array. The result is shown in kWh/kWp and enables an initial estimate of whether the PV system is
supplying an energy yield typical for the respective location. Since this value is also influenced by the structural
characteristics of a PV system (e.g. orientation of the PV array), it is generally not suitable for comparing PV systems with
one another.