- Kilowatt Hour (kWh) - a measure of energy consumption equal to the power created by one kilowatt in one hour.
- Solar Module - the device used to collect and convert sunlight into usable energy. They are comprised of multiple photovoltaic "cells" which are connected together. These cells consist of silicon, which converts the sunlight into electricity.
- Inverter - the device used to convert the power created from the solar modules (DC Power) to power which can be used in the facility by items such as lights and appliances (AC Power)
- Combiner Box - a box which connects multiple wires from the solar panels into a single wire which carries all of the electricity. This wire then takes the electricity to the inverter.
- Net Metering - an agreement established between you and your utility provider. With a net metering agreement, any excess energy that your solar array produced but did not immediately use is "banked." This can be tapped into at a later time when your system is not producing as much energy as is being currently used, such as at night. This ensures that you receive the benefits of every bit of energy your system produces.
- Monitoring - a system which allows you to view how your solar power system is operating. It will show you a multitude of factors, such as how much electricity is being produced, how much money you have saved, and how much harmful greenhouse gas emissions you have averted
- Return on Investment - the ratio of the amount of money gained or lost on an investment relative to the amount of money initially invested.
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) - a long term commitment to purchase power from the solar electric system installed at your firm's location. The energy is set at a fixed rate that is less than the rate of electricity your utility company provides. With this, you are able to receive the benefit of renewable energy and a reduced electricity bill, without having to pay for the solar system upfront.
- California Solar Initiative (CSI) - a program launched by the California Energy Commission that requires each investor owned utility to provide a rebate for customers who install a solar electric system.
- Expected Performance Based Buy Down (EPBB) - an incentive program that provides a one-time, upfront incentive for solar electric systems less than 100 kW. The rebate amount is based on the expected performance of the system, which is calculated based on factors such as geographic location, tilt of system, and shading.
- Performance Based Incentive (PBI) - An incentive program that provides monthly payments based on energy production over a 5-year period for solar electric systems 100 kW or greater.