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P2 tagline, The Integrated Solar Solution
 
 

FAQ’s

Q. What is photovoltaic (PV)?

A. Photo- means light and -voltaic means produces voltage. A photovoltaic, or solar power plant, directly converts light into electricity using semiconductor technology.

Q. What is a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)?

A. The kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy. A kilowatt-hour represents 1,000 watt-hours.

Q. What does STC DC watts mean?

A. (Standard Test Conditions) The nameplate rating of a single solar module that is one of many panels that are the building blocks of a solar power plant.

Q. What does PTC DC watts mean?

A. (Performance Test Conditions) The rating of a single solar module in real-world conditions as determined by the California Energy Commission.

Q. What does CEC AC watts mean?

A. (California Energy Commission) The calculated AC watts factoring in the solar module and inverter efficiencies. This is the watt rating that is the basis of the California Solar Initiative rebates.

Q. What is net metering?

A. Net metering measures the difference between the amount of electricity you buy from your local utility and the amount you generate from your solar energy facility. With net metering, if you produce more electricity from a solar power plant than your operation consumes, then your meter runs backwards and the utility will provide credit towards future electric utility bills. Currently net metering is offered in more than 35 states.

Q. What is TOU?

A. Utilities have various electrical rate tariffs, some of which charge different rates depending on the time of day and season (summer vs. winter). This type of rate structure is called "Time of Use" or a TOU tariff. This rate structure is common for commercial and industrial customers. It is then broken down into periods called: max/peak, partial/mid peak, and off peak based on the time of day and season. Furthermore, it is broken down by transmission voltage: Secondary, Primary, and Transmission. The highest cost energy is peak hours during the middle of the day, and during the summer months. This is precisely the time period in which a solar power system produces the most energy.