☀Solar Glosary

Refers to the types of electric current. When sunlight hits a solar panel's silicon wafers, it generates a "direct current" (DC). This is because sunlight directly impacts the panels before any further electrical processes occur. On the other hand, devices like computers, lightbulbs, toaster ovens, and household appliances require a more steady and regulated "alternating current" (AC) to operate.

An adder refers to any project expense beyond the typical project costs outlined in the Baseline. You can see the adders list here.

Array refers to a configuration or positioning of comparable items. In the context of solar panels, it would be a number of panels arranged in a specific area on a roof.

Baseline refers to the expense associated with undertaking a project through Equity Solar.

Under a tiered billing system implemented by the utility company, baseline allowance represents the initial electricity allocation for homeowners, categorized as Tier 1. Upon exceeding this allowance, they transition to Tier 2 usage and face an increased cost per kilowatt-hour.

A building permit is required to legally authorize the installation of a solar system. This permit is issued by the county in which the project is to be installed.

A cash deal is an option where the customer covers all expenses without the need for financing. This facilitates a straightforward and immediate transaction, granting the customer full ownership without the requirement for banking financing.

Catalyst is software used to request proposals and sign deals. You can find the link here.

A change order is required when there are changes in the details and scope of a project compared to the initial proposal. Change Of Orders must be submitted to the financial company. Project Coordinators are responsible for this process.

Charge refers to the transfer of energy generated by your solar system to your battery.

Connection fee represents the standard fee associated with utilizing the services provided by a utility company.

Consumption refers to the energy utilized within the household.

A credit check is typically required for several financing choices. Each financing company has different approval criteria, but generally, customers must have a credit score of 650 or higher to be eligible. However, certain finance companies, such as Goodleap, provide financing alternatives for customers with a credit score as low as 600. Please refer to the section on Financial Companies here.

Customer Experience is an internal Equity Solar team responsible for providing project updates to customers and enhancing overall user experience.

Derating involves reducing the amperage from a breaker to prevent the panel/breaker from reaching its maximum capacity and drawing unsafe levels of power. Another option is to implement a Main Panel Upgrade (MPU).

Discharge refers to pulling energy from your battery.

Distribution refers to the procedure in which electricity is delivered from the power transformer within the residential area to the homeowner's residence.

Each homeowner receives an electric bill that shows the quantity of power (kWh) consumed monthly. This statement provides vital details such as the customer's name, address, electric usage history, participation in active special billing programs, account number, meter number, and other essential information required for interconnection. You can find all information about utilities here.

Export refers to the energy you send to the grid.

GoodLeap is a solar finance provider specializing in solar loans. Please refer to the section on Financial Companies here.

The grid is an extensive network comprising power plants, substations, and underground or pole-mounted electrical cables that link entire towns and cities to the electrical supply. Even after solar panel installation, residences remain fundamentally linked to the power grid. This is to ensure that in the event of a power outage, photovoltaic (PV) systems will automatically shut down to protect line workers from potential electricity overload originating from all PV systems in a particular neighborhood.

Homeowners Association (HOA) is usually found in large developments and sometimes places restrictions on the aesthetic or "look" of homes in the neighborhood, which can cause delays in going solar. Many homeowners will want HOA approval prior to installation, and in that case, we will work with the homeowner to notify us when HOA approval is granted.

Import refers to the energy requested from the grid.

Interconnection is the process of connecting the customer's solar system to the utility grid. In Florida, interconnection approval is required prior to installation and is commonly referred to as Permission to Operate (PTO).

The installation process remains incomplete until the inspection receives approval, usually occurring within two weeks of installation. A representative from the county evaluates the completed work during the inspection to ensure it aligns with the original plans submitted for permitting. Typically, inspections are approved during the initial appointment. In the rare case of non-approval, it usually involves a minor adjustment or addition that must be made for subsequent approval. We are committed to making any necessary corrections until approval is granted.

The Interconnection Application is submitted by our Interconnection Team to the utility company to receive Permission to Operate (PTO) and connect the PV system to the power grid.

An inverter is a device installed with the solar system that transforms solar energy from DC to usable AC energy. Our standard installation involves Enphase inverters equipped with optimizers for every project.

Irradiance measures the amount of solar energy received at a specific location. It fluctuates across seasons and throughout the day based on the sun's position in the sky and prevailing weather conditions.

The ITC Tax Credit, available until 2032, encompasses 30% of the solar equipment expenses. However, guaranteeing a customer the receipt of the tax credit is not possible. Homeowners should seek advice from their tax advisor to confirm their eligibility for the full credit. This credit extends to all expenses associated with transitioning to solar and adopting energy-efficient products. It can be claimed over several years, provided the credit remains accessible. Eligibility for the credit is exclusive to customers who own the solar system.

A kilowatt (kW) is a unit of energy. 1 kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. For example, a system with 8,000 watts is 8kW.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement for electricity consumption. Customers are billed by the utility company each month based on the total kWh used. Equity Solar commits to delivering the kWh of solar production outlined in the proposal to its customers. To determine the kilowatt-hour consumption of any appliance, multiply its wattage by the hours it's used and then divide by 1,000. For example, if a 100-watt light bulb is used for 240 hours, it will consume 24 kWh of electricity.

A lien is a legal responsibility associated with a property, pertaining to the value of an item or work performed on the property. This obligation must be paid before any home sale transaction can take place.

Homeowners have the opportunity to qualify for solar installation with no initial expenses, allowing them to own their system and reduce their electricity costs. Instead of a traditional electric bill, they make fixed loan payments. The Solar Loan is provided through one of our financial partners. Please refer to the section on Financial Companies here.

Sometimes, adjustments may be necessary to align the Main Service Panel (MSP) with our PV system. In such cases, the installation timeline will be extended, requiring coordination with the local utility.

Module Type refers to the specific model of solar panels in use. We provide a variety of models that are currently available in the market. Please refer to the Equipment section for more information.

Net metering occurs when a home generates more solar power than it consumes at a particular moment. The surplus electricity is directed to the grid and supplied to neighboring homes in need of power. Homeowners qualify for Net Energy Metering credits, which are displayed on the monthly utility energy statement. These credits can be carried over to offset periods of low production or into subsequent months or the next year.

Notice to Proceed (NTP) is a necessary approval stage for all financed projects. The finance company must grant the NTP.

An optimizer is a compact device manufactured by Enphase and affixed beneath each solar panel. It consistently communicates the panel's production to the inverter, enabling individual tracking of each panel to ensure continual proper functioning. In the event that a panel malfunctions, we receive an alert and can precisely identify the faulty panel.

Solo is software used to request proposals and sign deals. You can find the link here.

Permitting is the process of submitting and getting approval for a full building and electrical permit pack from the County. Every county has different requirements and speed. The purpose is to request permission from a County to do construction on a home and to ensure that the construction meets local, structural, and electrical regulations. This permission is required to move forward with the process.