As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ARRAY
Any number of electrically connected photovoltaic (PV) modules
providing a single electrical output.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic system that is constructed as an integral
part of a principal or accessory building or structure and where the
building-integrated system features maintain a uniform profile or
surface of vertical walls, window openings, and roofing. Such a system
is used in lieu of a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting
for an architectural or structural component of the building or structure
that appends or interrupts the uniform surfaces of walls, window openings
and roofing. A building-integrated system may occur within vertical
facades, replacing view glass, spandrel glass or other facade material;
into semitransparent skylight systems; into roofing systems, replacing
traditional roofing materials; or other building or structure envelope
systems.
BUILDING-MOUNTED SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic system attached to any part or type
of roof on a building or structure that has an occupancy permit on
file with the municipality and that is either the principal structure
or an accessory structure on a recorded lot. This system also includes
any solar-based architectural elements.
CELL
The smallest basic solar electric device which generates
electricity when exposed to light.
DRIP LINE
The outermost edge of a roof, including eaves, overhangs
and gutters.
GROUND-MOUNTED SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic system mounted on a structure, pole
or series of poles constructed specifically to support the photovoltaic
system and not attached to any other structure.
HVAC
Equipment used to heat, cool or ventilate a structure.
INTERCONNECTION
The technical and practical link between the solar generator
and the grid providing electricity to the greater community.
KILOWATT (KW)
A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 Watts, which constitutes
the basic unit of electrical demand. A watt is a metric measurement
of power (not energy) and is the rate (not the duration) at which
electricity is used. One thousand kW is equal to one megawatt (MW).
MODULE
A module is the smallest protected assembly of interconnected
PV cells.
NET METERING AGREEMENT
An agreement with a local electric utility that allows customers
to receive a credit for surplus electricity generated by certain renewable
energy systems.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)
A semiconductor-based device that converts light directly
into electricity.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) RELATED EQUIPMENT
Items including a solar photovoltaic cell, panel or array,
lines, mounting brackets, framing and foundations used for or intended
to be used for collection of solar energy.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM
A solar collection system consisting of one or more building
and/or ground-mounted systems, solar photovoltaic cells, panels or
arrays and solar related equipment that rely upon solar radiation
as an energy source for collection, inversion, storage and distribution
of solar energy for electricity generation. A solar PV system is a
generation system with a nameplate capacity of not greater than 50
kilowatts if installed at a residential service or not larger than
3,000 kilowatts at other customer service locations and do not produce
excess on-site energy greater than currently permitted by Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission guidelines.
SOLAR-BASED ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT
Structural/architectural element that provides protection
from weather that includes awnings, canopies, porches or sunshades
and that is constructed with the primary covering consisting of solar
PV modules, and may or may not include additional solar PV related
equipment.
TRACKING SYSTEM
A number of photovoltaic modules mounted such that they track
the movement of the sun across the sky to maximize energy production,
either with a single-axis or dual-axis mechanism.