The material through which electricity is transmitted, such as an electrical wire, or transmission or distribution line.

A passage for surplus water to flow over or around a dam.

A device that removes airborne particles from breathable air. Negative ions are produced and give up their negative charge to the particles. These new negative particles are then attracted to the positive particles surrounding them. This accumulation proc ...

A current carrier, either an electron or a hole, that is in the minority in a specific layer of a semiconductor material; the diffusion of minority carriers under the action of the cell junction voltage is the current in a photovoltaic device.

Insulation made from rockwool fibers, fiberglass, cellulose fiber, vermiculite or perlite minerals, and composed of loose fibers or granules can be applied by pouring directly from the bag or with a blower.

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

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 ...

A chemical used as a preservative and in bonding agents. It is found in household products such as plywood, furniture, carpets, and some types of foam insulation. It is also a by-product of combustion and is a strong-smelling, colorless gas that is an eye ...

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

Sunlight scattered by atmospheric particles and gases so that it arrives at the earth's surface from all directions and can not be focused.

A device that that converts direct current electricity (from for example a solar photovoltaic module or array) to alternating current for use directly to operate appliances or to supply power to a electricity grid.

To influence the demand on a power source.

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

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

A slightly sloped roof, usually with a tar and gravel cover. Most commercial buildings use this kind of roof.

The direct, diffuse, and reflected solar radiation that strikes a surface.

A high-efficiency photovoltaic device containing two or more cell junctions, each of which is optimized for a particular part of the solar spectrum.

One pound of water in vapor phase; is NOT steam pressure, which is expressed as pounds per square inch (psi).

A battery that uses lithium in the negative electrode and a metal sulfide in the positive electrode, and the electrolyte is molten salt; can store large amounts of energy per unit weight.

A frequently used room or area that is maintained at a more comfortable level than the rest of the house; also known as a "warm room."