Vocabulary Words Every Solar Engineer Should Know

Solar

Definition: Related to the sun; often refers to energy or light from the sun.

• Solar power is a renewable energy source.
• She learned about solar panels in science class.
• The solar system includes all the planets orbiting the sun.

Solar in a sentence

Energy

Definition: The ability to do work or cause change; vitality.

• I need more energy to finish my homework.
• He has a lot of energy after a good sleep.
• They use solar energy to power their home.

Energy in a sentence

Sun

Definition: The star that provides light and heat to the Earth.

• The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
• We should wear sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun.
• The sun makes flowers bloom in spring.

Sun in a sentence

Light

Definition: A source of illumination; not heavy.

• The light in the room is bright.
• She carries a light backpack.
• He turned on the light to see better.

Light in a sentence

Power

Definition: The ability to do something or act in a certain way; energy used to perform work.

• Electricity provides power to our homes.
• He has the power to change the situation.
• The power of teamwork can lead to success.

Power in a sentence

Panel

Definition: a group of people gathered to discuss or decide on something

• The panel discussed various solutions to the problem.
• She was part of the panel for the debate.
• Understanding how a panel works is important in discussions.

Panel in a sentence

Cell

Definition: The smallest unit of living matter; also, a small room in a prison.

• Every living thing is made of cells.
• The scientist studied the cell under a microscope.
• He was locked in a small cell.

Cell in a sentence

Heat

Definition: The quality of being hot; energy that causes temperature to rise.

• The heat from the sun warmed the ground.
• She turned on the heat because it was cold.
• Understanding heat is important in science and daily life.

Heat in a sentence

Green

Definition: The color of grass or leaves; also means environmentally friendly.

• The grass is green after the rain.
• She prefers green vegetables for their health benefits.
• They want to live a green lifestyle.

Green in a sentence

Clean

Definition: To make something free of dirt or mess.

• I need to clean my room before my friends come.
• She will clean the dishes after dinner.
• We should clean up the classroom together.

Clean in a sentence

System

Definition: A set of connected things or parts that work together.

• Our school has a new system for tracking grades.
• The solar system has many planets.
• A good study system helps improve learning.

System in a sentence

Roof

Definition: The top covering of a building that protects it from weather.

• The roof was built to withstand heavy rain.
• They climbed up to check the roof for leaks.
• He painted the roof bright red for a fun look.

Roof in a sentence

Battery

Definition: A device that stores energy for use.

• My remote control needs new batteries.
• The battery in my phone died during the trip.
• He replaced the battery in his watch.

Battery in a sentence

Charge

Definition: To give electrical energy to a device or to ask for payment.

• He will charge his phone overnight.
• The store will charge $20 for the service.
• She forgot to charge her tablet before the trip.

Charge in a sentence

Use

Definition: To employ something for a purpose.

• I use a pencil to write.
• They will use the computer for research.
• She knows how to use the new software.

Use in a sentence

Save

Definition: To keep something safe or to store for later.

• I save money for a new bike.
• Please save your work before turning off the computer.
• They save energy by using less electricity.

Save in a sentence

Air

Definition: The mixture of gases that we breathe; the atmosphere around us.

• The air feels fresh near the ocean.
• She opened the window to let in some air.
• Understanding air quality is important for health.

Air in a sentence

Water

Definition: A clear liquid that all living things need.

• We drink water every day.
• Plants need water to grow.
• The glass is full of water.

Water in a sentence

Source

Definition: the place or thing from which something comes

• The river is the source of our drinking water.
• He found a reliable source for his research.
• The sun is the source of light for our planet.

Source in a sentence

Electric

Definition: Powered by electricity; using electricity for operation.

• I have an electric bike.
• The electric fan keeps the room cool.
• They bought an electric car to save energy.

Electric in a sentence

Wire

Definition: A thin, flexible strand of metal used for conducting electricity or making connections.

• He used wire to fix the fence.
• The electric wire needs to be handled carefully.
• She wrapped the wire around the tree.

Wire in a sentence

Grid

Definition: A framework of spaced bars that form a pattern; used in maps or systems.

• The city uses a grid system for streets.
• She plotted her data on a grid.
• The grid helps organize the information.

Grid in a sentence

Convert

Definition: to change something into a different form or state

• They will convert the old library into a community center.
• He wants to convert his notes into a digital format.
• The team worked to convert the data into a new system.

Convert in a sentence

Install

Definition: To set up or put something in place for use.

• They will install the new software tomorrow.
• He plans to install a new shelf in his room.
• She helped install the equipment in the lab.

Install in a sentence

Design

Definition: A plan or drawing for something.

• He made a beautiful design for the dress.
• The building has a modern design.
• She loves to design clothes.

Design in a sentence

Technology

Definition: The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes; tools and machines.

• Technology changes quickly in our world.
• She studies technology in school.
• They use technology to solve problems.

Technology in a sentence

Renewable

Definition: Referring to resources that can be replenished naturally.

• Solar energy is a renewable source of power.
• Wind energy is considered renewable and sustainable.
• Using renewable resources helps protect the environment.

Renewable in a sentence

Electricity

Definition: A form of energy that powers devices and machines.

• Electricity lights up our homes.
• We need to save electricity by turning off lights.
• The storm caused a power outage and cut off electricity.

Electricity in a sentence

Sunlight

Definition: the light that comes from the sun

• Sunlight is important for plants to grow.
• She opened the curtains to let sunlight in.
• They enjoyed the warmth of sunlight on their faces.

Sunlight in a sentence

Installation

Definition: The act of putting something in place for use; setting up.

• The installation of the new software was easy.
• They scheduled the installation of the new equipment.
• He completed the installation of the air conditioner.

Installation in a sentence

Efficiency

Definition: The ability to do something with minimum waste of time and resources.

• They improved the efficiency of their study habits.
• Efficiency is key in completing tasks quickly.
• She values efficiency in her daily routine.

Efficiency in a sentence

Converter

Definition: a device that changes something from one form to another

• She bought a voltage converter for her electronics.
• The converter allows you to use different types of plugs.
• He used a converter to change the file format.

Converter in a sentence

Voltage

Definition: The measure of electrical force; the difference in electric potential.

• The voltage in this circuit is too high.
• He checked the voltage on the battery.
• Understanding voltage is important for safety.

Voltage in a sentence

Current

Definition: happening now; up to date

• She read the current news online.
• The current situation requires immediate action.
• They discussed current events in class.

Current in a sentence

Maintenance

Definition: the process of keeping something in good condition

• Regular maintenance of the car is necessary.
• The maintenance team fixed the broken equipment.
• They schedule maintenance for the computers often.

Maintenance in a sentence

Output

Definition: The amount of something produced or delivered.

• The factory increased its output to meet demand.
• Their output of products improved this year.
• Understanding output helps in analyzing productivity.

Output in a sentence

Resource

Definition: A source of supply or support.

• Water is a vital resource for life.
• They used their resources wisely to complete the project.
• Education is a key resource for development.

Resource in a sentence

Photovoltaic

Definition: Relating to the conversion of light into electricity, often using solar panels.

• Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into energy.
• He learned about photovoltaic technology in his science class.
• The use of photovoltaic systems is increasing worldwide.

Photovoltaic in a sentence

Inverter

Definition: A device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).

• The inverter allows the solar panels to power the home.
• He installed an inverter to use solar energy.
• Inverters are essential for many electrical devices.

Inverter in a sentence

Module

Definition: A self-contained unit or component that can be combined with others; often used in education or technology.

• Each module of the course covers a different topic.
• The software consists of several modules for different functions.
• She completed the first module of her online class.

Module in a sentence

Generation

Definition: A group of people born around the same time; also refers to the act of producing.

• Each generation has its own unique experiences.
• My grandparents' generation faced different challenges.
• The new generation is very tech-savvy.

Generation in a sentence

Sustainable

Definition: Able to be maintained over the long term without harming the environment.

• They focus on sustainable practices in farming.
• Solar energy is a sustainable energy source.
• She promotes sustainable living in her community.

Sustainable in a sentence

Performance

Definition: The act of doing something, especially in front of an audience; how well someone does a task.

• The performance of the students was impressive.
• He practiced daily for his music performance.
• Her performance in the play earned her applause.

Performance in a sentence

Capacity

Definition: The maximum amount that something can hold or contain.

• The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000.
• Her backpack has a large capacity for books.
• Understanding capacity is important in planning events.

Capacity in a sentence

Conversion

Definition: The process of changing from one form to another.

• The conversion of the building into a museum was successful.
• She completed the conversion of the file format.
• The conversion of units is important in math.

Conversion in a sentence

Emission

Definition: The act of releasing something, especially gases or radiation.

• The emission of carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.
• She monitored the emission levels in the air.
• Understanding emission is crucial for environmental science.

Emission in a sentence

Environmental

Definition: Related to the natural world and the impact of human activity on it.

• Environmental issues are important for future generations.
• She is passionate about environmental conservation.
• They discussed environmental policies at the meeting.

Environmental in a sentence

Impact

Definition: The strong effect or influence something has.

• The impact of the storm was severe.
• They discussed the impact of climate change.
• Her speech made a big impact on the audience.

Impact in a sentence

Assessment

Definition: An evaluation or test to measure knowledge or skills.

• The teacher gave an assessment to check our progress.
• We will have a math assessment next week.
• Assessments help identify areas to improve.

Assessment in a sentence

Monitoring

Definition: The act of observing or checking something regularly.

• The teacher is monitoring students' progress in class.
• They use monitoring to ensure safety in the lab.
• Understanding monitoring helps in effective management.

Monitoring in a sentence

Storage

Definition: The action or method of keeping something for future use.

• The storage of data is crucial for businesses.
• She organized the storage area in the garage.
• Understanding storage solutions helps optimize space.

Storage in a sentence

Application

Definition: A formal request for something; a software program used on devices.

• I submitted my application for the scholarship.
• She downloaded a new application on her phone.
• The application is easy to use and helpful.

Application in a sentence

Innovation

Definition: The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.

• Innovation is key to business success.
• The technology sector thrives on innovation.
• They focus on innovation to improve their services.

Innovation in a sentence

Development

Definition: The process of growth or progress; the act of creating something new.

• The development of the app took several months.
• They focused on the development of new skills.
• She is interested in the development of cities.

Development in a sentence

Policy

Definition: A plan or course of action adopted by an organization.

• The school has a policy on bullying.
• Their policy helps protect the environment.
• She explained the new policy to the staff.

Policy in a sentence

Sustainability

Definition: The ability to be maintained or continued over the long term.

• We should focus on sustainability to protect the environment.
• Sustainability is important for future generations.
• She advocates for sustainability in her community.

Sustainability in a sentence

Solar Array

Definition: A collection of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity.

• The solar array on the roof generates energy for the home.
• They installed a solar array to reduce electricity bills.
• A large solar array can power entire communities.

Solar Array in a sentence

Irradiance

Definition: The power of solar radiation received per unit area.

• Irradiance affects how plants grow and produce energy.
• Scientists measure irradiance to study climate change.
• The irradiance of sunlight varies throughout the day.

Irradiance in a sentence

Semiconductor

Definition: A material that can conduct electricity under certain conditions, used in electronics.

• Silicon is the most common semiconductor.
• Semiconductors are essential for modern technology.
• The development of semiconductors revolutionized computing.

Semiconductor in a sentence

Solar Thermal

Definition: A technology that uses sunlight to generate heat, often for heating water.

• Solar thermal systems can reduce energy costs.
• They installed solar thermal panels on their roof.
• Understanding solar thermal energy is important for sustainability.

Net Metering

Definition: A system that allows solar energy users to send excess energy back to the grid in exchange for credits.

• Net metering can reduce electricity costs for homeowners.
• She benefits from net metering with her solar panels.
• The policy encourages more people to install solar energy systems.

Energy Storage

Definition: the capturing of energy for use at a later time

• Energy storage systems help balance supply and demand.
• They learned about energy storage technologies in class.
• Understanding energy storage is important for renewable energy.

Photovoltaic Cells

Definition: Devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity.

• Photovoltaic cells are used in solar panels.
• She studied how photovoltaic cells work.
• The school installed photovoltaic cells to save energy.

Concentrated Solar Power

Definition: A technology that uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight to generate electricity.

• They invested in concentrated solar power for energy.
• Concentrated solar power systems are becoming more popular.
• She learned about concentrated solar power in class.

Emissions

Definition: Substances released into the air, especially pollutants.

• The factory reduced its emissions to comply with regulations.
• They measured the emissions from the vehicle.
• Understanding emissions is key in environmental studies.

Kilowatt-hour

Definition: A unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power used for one hour.

• The electricity bill is calculated in kilowatt-hours.
• He saved energy by using less than 100 kilowatt-hours.
• Kilowatt-hours measure how much electricity you consume.

Solar Farm

Definition: A large area equipped with solar panels to generate electricity.

• The solar farm provides energy to thousands of homes.
• They visited a solar farm to learn about renewable energy.
• Building a solar farm can help reduce carbon emissions.

Orientation

Definition: The process of familiarizing someone with a new environment or situation.

• The orientation for new students will be next week.
• She attended an orientation for her summer internship.
• Understanding orientation helps ease transitions.

Orientation in a sentence

Azimuth

Definition: The angle between a reference direction and an object's direction, often used in navigation.

• In navigation, azimuth helps determine direction.
• He used a compass to find the azimuth of the mountain.
• The azimuth is crucial for accurate mapping.

Azimuth in a sentence

Tracking System

Definition: A method or technology used to monitor and follow the movement or progress of something.

• The tracking system helped locate lost packages.
• They implemented a new tracking system for inventory management.
• Understanding tracking systems is essential for logistics.

Tracking System in a sentence

Load Balancing

Definition: Distributing workloads across multiple resources to optimize performance.

• Load balancing helps servers manage traffic efficiently.
• He learned about load balancing in computer networks.
• Effective load balancing improves application performance.

Carbon Footprint

Definition: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities.

• Reducing your carbon footprint is important for the environment.
• She calculates her carbon footprint to see how she can improve.
• A smaller carbon footprint means less impact on the planet.

Energy Yield

Definition: the amount of energy produced from a source

• The energy yield from solar panels can vary.
• He calculated the energy yield from the wind turbine.
• Understanding energy yield helps assess efficiency.

Degradation

Definition: The process of something being damaged or deteriorated; a decline.

• Environmental degradation affects wildlife habitats.
• The degradation of the soil is a serious concern.
• Understanding degradation helps in conservation efforts.

Degradation in a sentence

Utility-scale

Definition: Referring to large-scale production or projects, often in energy.

• The utility-scale solar farm generates significant power.
• They invested in utility-scale renewable energy.
• Utility-scale projects can benefit many communities.

Off-grid

Definition: not connected to the main electricity or water supply

• They built an off-grid cabin in the mountains.
• Living off-grid can be a sustainable lifestyle choice.
• He enjoys the peace of living off-grid.

Performance Ratio

Definition: A comparison of performance levels between different entities.

• The performance ratio indicates how well the team is doing.
• Understanding performance ratios helps in evaluating efficiency.
• They calculated the performance ratio for their analysis.

Thermodynamics

Definition: The study of heat and energy transfer.

• Thermodynamics helps explain how engines work.
• He studied thermodynamics in his physics class.
• Understanding thermodynamics is essential for engineers.

Absorption

Definition: The process of taking in or soaking up; the act of absorbing.

• Absorption of nutrients is vital for health.
• The absorption of sunlight is crucial for plants.
• He studied the absorption rates of different liquids.

Absorption in a sentence

Radiation

Definition: Energy that travels in waves, often associated with heat or light.

• The sun emits radiation that warms the Earth.
• Some medical treatments use radiation to heal.
• We learned about radiation in science class.

Radiation in a sentence

Thermoelectric

Definition: related to the generation of electricity through temperature differences

• Thermoelectric materials can convert heat into electricity.
• He studied thermoelectric devices in his engineering class.
• The thermoelectric effect is interesting for energy solutions.

Thermoelectric in a sentence

Energy Conversion

Definition: The process of changing energy from one form to another.

• Energy conversion occurs in many devices, like batteries.
• Understanding energy conversion helps us save power.
• Solar panels are an example of energy conversion.

Energy Conversion in a sentence

Bifacial

Definition: Referring to something that has two usable sides.

• The bifacial solar panels are more efficient.
• He used a bifacial tool for his project.
• Bifacial designs can enhance functionality.

Bifacial in a sentence

Albedo

Definition: The measure of how much light is reflected from a surface.

• The albedo of snow is very high compared to grass.
• Scientists study the albedo of different surfaces.
• A high albedo can help cool the Earth.

Albedo in a sentence

Emissivity

Definition: A measure of a material's ability to emit energy as thermal radiation.

• The emissivity of the surface affects heat loss.
• They calculated the emissivity for their experiment.
• Understanding emissivity is important in thermodynamics.

Emissivity in a sentence

Photovoltaics

Definition: Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

• Photovoltaics are used in solar panels to generate power.
• The school installed photovoltaics on the roof.
• Understanding photovoltaics can help reduce energy costs.

Solar Irradiance

Definition: The power of solar radiation received per unit area; important for solar energy calculations.

• Solar irradiance affects how much energy solar panels can produce.
• They measured solar irradiance during the experiment.
• Understanding solar irradiance helps improve solar technology.

Photovoltaic Module

Definition: A packaged assembly of photovoltaic cells that generate electricity.

• The photovoltaic module is installed on the roof.
• She learned how to connect a photovoltaic module to a system.
• Each photovoltaic module contributes to the overall energy output.

Crystalline Silicon

Definition: A form of silicon used in solar panels and electronics.

• Crystalline silicon is essential for solar energy technology.
• He learned about the benefits of crystalline silicon in class.
• Understanding crystalline silicon is important for renewable energy.

Thin-film Technology

Definition: the use of very thin layers of materials for various applications

• Thin-film technology is important in solar panels.
• He studied thin-film technology in his engineering course.
• Understanding thin-film technology can lead to innovations.

Demand Response

Definition: A strategy to manage customer consumption of electricity in response to supply conditions.

• Demand response programs help reduce energy use.
• They participated in a demand response initiative.
• Understanding demand response is important for energy management.

Smart Grid

Definition: An electrical grid that uses technology to monitor and manage energy use.

• The smart grid enhances energy distribution and efficiency.
• Cities are investing in smart grid technology for sustainability.
• Understanding the smart grid is important for future energy solutions.