Connected in parallel to a diode, diverts the current from individual solar cells past cells (connected in series) which are shaded.

A: Abbreviation for ampere, unit of electrical current

The amount of sun that hits the surface of the PV system is affected by objects like, for example, chimneys, satellite dishes or trees. The amount of shadow cast can lead to a loss in energy productio [..]

also referred to as degradation, performance reduction: decrease in the efficiency of the solar cells after long-term exposure to the sun’s rays. Generally only occurs in amorphous solar cells. It is [..]

A thin transparent layer, a few millionths of a millimetre thick, which reduces solar cells‘ reflection loss, thereby increasing the amount of light captured and the efficiency.

Ageing

Sunlight diffused by clouds and other atmospheric particles that has no defined direction from the sun to the observation point on the ground.

Sun’s rays that fall directly from the sun to the observation point on the ground. At the observation point these are joined by diffuse radiation.

Manufacturing process for (thin) amorphous solar cells. In this, several semi-conductor layers are evaporated onto a substrate (usually glass). The manufacturing process is therefore done without wafe [..]

Abbreviation for the renewable energy law in Germany.