Terms and Definitions

Blue CDs – Blue Spectrum Solar’s Custom Design (CDs) packages. These are solar electric design packages made with the highest quality components tailored for each customer’s specific needs.

BIPV – Building integrated Photovoltaics. The product integrates directly into the roofing material and consist of both C-silicon and thin film technologies. These offer superior esthetics and a much hire cost. Most economical for new homes/construction.

Crystal Silicon Solar (c-si) –  The leading technology in solar panels. C-si technology is over 30 years old and makes up about 85% of the installed market.

CEC – California Energy Commission: CEC defines and applies industry standards and tests to ensure uniformity and quality of solar installation.

CSI – California Solar Initiative regulates the solar installation industry and managed EPBB and PBI.

CCSE – California Center of Sustainable Energy. CCSE manages the California incentive program including application for incentives and inspection of installations.

EPBB – Expected Performance Based Buy Down. This CSI initiative pays a lump sum incentive based on the expected performance determined from the design parameters provided by the installer (optimal design is critical).

Feed in Tariffs – When the utilities pay the homeowner fair market values for extra energy produced by the sun.

ITC incentive – Federal Investment Tax Credit. For solar-electric and solar water heating residential property expenditures, the credit is 30 percent of the cost. As of 1/1/09, the ITC has been extended for an additional 8 years. This is an un-capped 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations. The ITC tax credit would be realized when you file your tax returns

Net Metering – The ability to spin the meter backward and get a credit for the extra energy produced by solar energy. Utilities usually zero out the credits at the end of the year with no benefit to the homeowner.

PBI – “Performance Based Initiative” is based on actual annual performance. The incentive is paid out annually. PBI typically pays out more than EPBB; however it’s distributed over a 5-year period instead of lump sum.

Photovoltaic Efficiency – The ability to convert all available energy from the sun into usable energy (electricity). Typical efficiencies by technology: C-si = 18-22%, thin films: 7-12%. Higher efficiency means more energy is generated from the panel.

SRCC – Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. Provides an equipment rating and certification service for Solar Hot Water (Solar Thermal) application.

Thin Films Solar Technology – Amorphous silicon (a-si), Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and Cadmium Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS) or “thin film” technologies. Combined these technologies make up 15% of the installed market and have potential for lower costs and efficiencies.