Glossary

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Maximum Power Point (MPP)
The point on the current-voltage (I-V) curve of a module under illumination, where the product of current and voltage is maximum.

Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT)
A power conditioning unit that automatically operates the PV-generator at its MPP under all conditions. An MPPT will typically increase power delivered to the system by 10% to 40%, depending on climate conditions and battery state of charge.

Megawatt (MW)
A measure of instantaneous electric power consumption or production. Equal to one thousand KW.

Megawatt-Hour (MWH)
The amount of energy consumed (produced) by a continuous load (generation) of 1 megawatt over one hour. Equal to one thousand KWH.

Module
A group of PV cells wired in series and parallel to achieve desired electrical characteristics and packaged as a single unit. Modules are wired together in series and parallel to make arrays.

Module Wdc
The rated DC capacity of each PV module at standard test conditions.

Monolithic
Fabricated as a single structure.

Multi-crystalline
Material that is solidified at such as rate that many small crystals (crystallites) form. The atoms within a single crystallite are symmetrically arranged, whereas crystallites are jumbled together. These numerous grain boundaries reduce the device efficiency. A material composed of variously oriented, small individual crystals. (Sometimes referred to as polycrystalline or semi-crystalline).

Multi-junction Device
A photovoltaic device containing two or more cell junctions, each of which is optimized for a particular part of the solar spectrum, to achieve greater overall efficiency.