WattCharger’s Guide to Solar Jargon: Speak the Lingo

Understanding solar terminology can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide breaks down the most common solar terms in plain English, helping Irish homeowners make informed decisions before investing in solar energy.

1. Solar PV (Photovoltaic)

PV stands for photovoltaic, which means converting sunlight directly into electricity. A solar PV system typically includes panels, an inverter, and sometimes a battery. It powers your home using renewable energy and reduces your grid dependence.

2. kW and kWh

  • kW (kilowatt) = Power. How much energy your system can produce at any moment.
  • kWh (kilowatt-hour) = Energy over time. For example, a 4 kW solar system running at full output for one hour produces 4 kWh of electricity.

Knowing the difference helps you understand energy bills and solar output.

3. Inverter

The inverter is the heart of your solar setup. It converts the DC electricity produced by your panels into AC electricity that your home can use.

Types include:

  • String inverters – One unit for all panels.
  • Microinverters – One per panel for better efficiency.
  • Hybrid inverters – Combine solar and battery management in one.

4. Battery Storage

Solar batteries store excess power generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy weather. Adding a battery increases your self-consumption and provides backup power during outages, ideal for Ireland’s variable weather.

5. Feed-In Tariff (Export Tariff)

Under Ireland’s Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), homeowners can get paid for exporting excess solar electricity back to the grid. Your export tariff rate depends on your electricity supplier.

6. SEAI Grant

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers up to €1,800 for solar PV installations that meet specific criteria.
At WattCharger, we handle the application process for you, from start to finish.

7. Net Metering vs. Export Metering

While net metering balances imported and exported power, in Ireland we use export metering, where exported energy is measured separately for payment. Your smart meter automatically tracks these exports.

8. Efficiency

Efficiency refers to how effectively a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity. For example, a panel with 20% efficiency converts 20% of the sunlight that hits it into usable power. Higher efficiency means more energy in less space. Useful for smaller roofs.

9. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)

A feature in most modern inverters, MPPT optimises power output from each panel, especially when shading or cloud cover varies, common in Irish weather conditions.

10. Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid Systems

  • Grid-tied: Connected to Ireland’s electricity grid. You can import and export electricity.
  • Off-grid: Fully independent with batteries and backup generators. Less common in urban Ireland but useful in remote rural homes.

11. Hybrid System

A hybrid solar system combines solar generation, battery storage, and sometimes EV charging. It lets you store energy, use it smartly, and even charge your car using solar, the ultimate future-proof setup.

12. LCOE (Levelised Cost of Energy)

This is the total lifetime cost of your solar system divided by the total energy it produces. It’s a key measure of your long-term savings and payback.

13. Payback Period

The payback period is how long it takes for your electricity savings to cover the cost of your solar system.
In Ireland, most homeowners see full payback within 5–7 years — and continue to save for 20+ years after that.

14. EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) / BER (Building Energy Rating)

A BER rating shows your home’s energy efficiency. Installing solar can improve your rating, which increases your property’s value and appeal to buyers.

15. Smart Export Guarantee / Smart Tariff

As Ireland transitions to time-of-use electricity pricing, your smart meter will enable flexible tariffs. Meaning cheaper electricity at night and export payments for daytime solar generation.

✅ Final Thoughts

Knowing the language of solar helps you make smarter, more confident decisions. Whether you’re comparing quotes or planning to go solar with WattCharger, understanding these terms gives you real control over your energy future.

 

Blog Author: Rowan Egan