SMA SI 4548-US - Manual (Page 237)

SMA America, LLC 23 Glossary
Operating Manual SI4548-6048-US-BE-en-20 237
PV Field
See PV array
PV Array
Technical device for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. All electrically connected
(in series and in parallel) PV modules of a PV system are referred to as the PV array.
PV Module
Electrical connection of several PV cells encapsulated in an enclosure to protect the sensitive cells from
mechanical stress and environmental influences.
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 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
sulfide, titanium dioxide and many others).
Series Connection
In this case the positive terminal of each battery is connected to the negative terminal 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.
Fast Charge
Boost charge: serves to charge the battery as quickly and efficiently as possible to a state of charge
of approx. 85% to 90%.
Self Discharge
Loss of battery charge while it is stored or not used. A higher ambient temperature has a strong
influence on self discharge.
SOC
State of Charge: the state of charge of the battery, see State of charge. If 25 Ah is taken from a
100-Ah battery, e.g. the state of charge (SOC) is 75%.
Solar Energy
"Solar energy", this means energy from sunlight or other solar irradiation (heat and/or UV radiation).