SMA SI 3324 - Manual (Page 73)

SMA Technologie AG Glossary
User Manual SI3324/4248-14:FE2406 Page 159
PV system
Describes a solar power system for generating electrical power. Describes the
complete collection of components needed for the acquisition and utilization of solar
energy. As well as the PV generator, this includes the Sunny Boy or Sunny Mini
Central, for example, in the case of grid-coupled systems.
Self discharge
Loss of battery charge while it is stored or not used. A higher ambient temperature
has a strong influence on self discharge.
Series connection
In this case the positive pole of each battery is connected to the negative pole of the
next battery. There is only one circuit where current can flow. Series connection
increases the voltage of the entire battery bank. If four 12 V batteries with a capacity
of 100 Ah each are connected in series, the total voltage is 4 × 12 V = 48 V, while
the total capacity remains at 100 Ah.
SOC
State of Charge: The charge level of the batteries, see Charge level. If (e.g) 25 Ah
is taken from a 100-Ah battery, the charge level (SOC) is then 75 %.
Solar energy
"Sun energy", this means energy from sunlight or other solar irradiation (heat and/
or UV radiation).
Solar module
Electrical connection of several solar cells encapsulated in a housing to protect the
sensitive cells from mechanical stress and environmental effects.
Solar cell
An electronic component that generates electrical energy when irradiated with
sunlight. Since the voltage produced by a solar cell is very small (approx. 0.5 V),
several solar cells are combined to form a solar module. The most common
semiconductor material presently used for solar cells is silicon, which is manufactured
in different forms (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, amorphous). In addition to
different mechanical variations, that are usually designed to increase the level of
efficiency, completely new materials are currently being tested (Cadmium Telluride,
Cadmium Indium Sulphide, Titanium Dioxide and many others.)
Stand-alone grid system
An energy generation system that is completely independent of any external power
sources.