A process used to apply photovoltaic semi-conductor material to a substrate by a physical vapor deposition process where high-energy ions are used to bombard elemental sources of semiconductor material, which eject vapors of atoms that are then deposited ...

The sum of sensible heat and latent heat in a substance above a base temperature, typically 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fluid, liquid (water or water/antifreeze solution) or air, used to absorb solar energy and transfer it for direct use, indirect heating of interior air or domestic water, and/or to a heat storage medium.

A closed-loop solar heating system in which the heat transfer fluid in the collector loop drains into a tank or reservoir whenever the booster pump stops to protect the collector loop from freezing.

The demand on an energy producing system; the energy consumption or requirement of a piece or group of equipment.

The unoccupied, and usually unfinished and unconditioned space between the floor, foundation walls, and the slab or ground of a building.

A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp(s), housing, and connection to the power circuit.

A type of house that has massive amounts of insulation, airtight construction, and controlled ventilation without sacrificing comfort, health, or aesthetics.

An amount to be paid for energy periodically by a customer without regard to demand or energy consumption.

Any material that can be burned to make energy.

The process of removing moisture; involves evaporation.

A valve operated by a thermostat that can be installed in solar water heating systems to mix cold water with water from the collector loop to maintain a safe water temperature.

A smaller version of standard fluorescent lamps which can directly replace standard incandescent lights. These lights consist of a gas filled tube, and a magnetic or electronic ballast.

The loss in static pressure of a fluid (liquid or gas) in a system due to friction from obstructions in pipes, from valves, fittings, regulators, burners, etc, or by a breech or rupture of the system. Pressurization Testing

A light control device that allows light levels to be manually adjusted. A dimmer can save energy by reducing the amount of power delivered to the light while consuming very little themselves.

A self-contained toilet that use the process of aerobic decomposition (composting) to break down feces into humus and odorless gases.

A type of heating system that provides heat from the resistance of an electrical current flowing through a conductor.

The angle that a solar collector is positioned from horizontal.

The physical process by which a liquid or solid is transformed into the gaseous state. For this process a mechanical device uses the outside air's heat to evaporate water that is held by pads inside the cooler. The heat is drawn out of the air through thi ...

The amount of energy absorbed (or converted) by a solar collector (or photovoltaic cell or module) over a 15 minute period.