Solar Components
19 terms in the solar components category.
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AC Disconnect
An AC Disconnect is a switch on the AC side of a solar PV system that interrupts current from the inverter output to the utility service. NEC 690.15 and most utility tariffs require it to be lockable in the open position with a visible blade or contact.
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Ballasted Racking
Ballasted racking is a flat-roof solar mounting system that uses weighted ballast blocks (typically concrete) to resist wind uplift instead of roof penetrations. Common on TPO/EPDM commercial rooftops to preserve roof warranty.
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BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a packaged lithium-ion (typically LFP or NMC) battery system that stores and discharges electricity, paired with solar PV for self-consumption, time-shift under TOU/NBT tariffs, demand charge management, and grid backup.
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Bypass Diode
A bypass diode is a Schottky or PN-junction diode integrated into a PV module junction box that protects the module from hot-spot damage during partial shading by providing a low-impedance current path around a shaded cell group.
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Central Inverter
A central inverter is a large industrial-scale solar inverter typically rated 1–4 MW AC, used in utility-scale solar plants where multiple module strings combine into a single inverter via recombiner boxes.
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Combiner Box (Component)
Combiner box (component view) is the physical electrical enclosure assembly that aggregates parallel PV strings — including DIN-rail fuse holders, bus bars, surge protection, and weatherproof enclosure. Manufacturers include Bentek, AmtecSolar, SMA, Sungrow.
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DC Disconnect
A DC Disconnect is a switch that interrupts current from a solar PV array, required by NEC 690.13. It must be lockable in the open position, rated for the maximum system voltage and current, and located in a readily accessible position.
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Hybrid Inverter
A hybrid inverter combines solar PV DC-to-AC conversion, battery storage charge/discharge control, and grid-forming backup capability in a single device. Critical for residential solar+storage installations under NEM 3.0 and similar tariffs.
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Junction Box
The junction box is the weatherproof enclosure on the back of a PV module containing bypass diodes, terminal connections, and MC4 output connectors. Critical reliability component; failure modes include water ingress and bypass diode burnout.
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L-Foot / Stand-off
L-foot or stand-off bracket is the structural connector between a roof penetration (lag bolt) and the mounting rail. Critical load transfer point; sized for wind uplift per ASCE 7-22.
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MC4 Connector
MC4 (Multi-Contact 4 mm) is the industry-standard solar PV DC connector — a UL/TUV-listed, weatherproof, lockable plug system used to connect modules, optimizers, and combiner inputs. Rated 1500 V DC and 30+ A.
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Microinverter
A microinverter is a small AC inverter installed at each PV module that performs DC-to-AC conversion and per-module MPPT. Modules connect in AC parallel on a trunk cable. Enphase dominates the global microinverter market.
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Mounting Rail
Mounting rails are extruded aluminum structural members that secure PV modules to roof attachment points or ground-mount foundations. Industry standard 6063-T6 aluminum; IronRidge XR-rail, Unirac SunFrame, K2 Systems.
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PCU (Power Conditioning Unit)
Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) is the term traditionally used in India and off-grid solar for a solar inverter, often integrating MPPT, battery charge controller, and AC inverter. Modern usage: equivalent to hybrid inverter.
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Pile Foundation (Ground Mount)
Pile foundations are the structural supports anchoring solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking to the ground. Driven steel H-beam or W-flange piles dominate; screw piles and concrete piers used in poor soil conditions.
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PV Module
A photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged assembly of solar cells that converts sunlight directly to DC electricity. Modern modules are 400–650 W, use crystalline silicon (PERC, TOPCon, HJT), and are produced by Longi, Jinko, Trina, Canadian Solar, Q CELLS, and others.
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Solar Roof Flashing
Solar roof flashing is the waterproofing component installed at each rooftop solar attachment point to seal against water intrusion. Combinations of aluminum, EPDM rubber, and butyl rubber. Critical for residential rooftop solar reliability.
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Step-up Transformer
A step-up transformer raises the low-voltage (typically 400–800 V AC) output of utility-scale solar inverters to medium-voltage (10–35 kV) for the plant's collection grid. Critical component in utility-scale plant electrical infrastructure.
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String Inverter
A string inverter converts DC power from multiple PV strings (wired in series, then paralleled) into AC power for grid connection. Typical capacity ranges from 3 kW (residential) to 250 kW (commercial), with 2–12 MPPT channels and UL 1741-SB listing for US installations.
