Energy Glossary
Clear, practical definitions of the terms energy managers and engineers deal with every day.
Active Energy
The energy that does real work, billed in kWh, forming the main line item of consumption.
Read definitionAMR (Automatic Meter Reading)
Infrastructure that collects electricity meter data remotely and automatically and transfers it to a central system.
Read definitionCapacitive Reactive Power
Reactive power pushed back to the grid by capacitor and cable capacitance, which can cause a capacitive penalty at low load.
Read definitionCapacitor Bank Panel
The panel housing stepped capacitor groups and a reactive relay to supply reactive power.
Read definitionCapacitor Step
A capacitor group in a compensation panel that can be switched in and out independently.
Read definitionDemand (Peak Power)
The average maximum power draw over a set interval; penalized if the contracted power is exceeded.
Read definitionHarmonics
Distorting components at multiples of the fundamental frequency that make grid voltage and current deviate from the ideal sine wave.
Read definitionInductive Reactive Power
The non-working power component drawn from the grid by magnetic-field loads such as motors, transformers and coils.
Read definitionLoss and Theft
The gap between energy delivered to the grid and energy billed, arising from technical losses and unauthorized use.
Read definitionPeak Hours
The evening time band when electricity is most expensive and demand peaks (usually 5–10 PM).
Read definitionPerformance Ratio (PR)
The ratio of a solar plant's actual production to its theoretical ideal production; the key indicator of efficiency.
Read definitionPower Factor (cosφ)
The ratio of active power to apparent power; it shows how efficiently electrical energy is used.
Read definitionPower Factor Correction (Compensation)
Supplying reactive power locally with a capacitor bank to raise the power factor and avoid reactive penalties.
Read definitionReactive Power
The non-working power component drawn from the grid so inductive/capacitive loads can operate.
Read definitionReactive Power Penalty
A charge added to the bill by the distribution company when reactive energy consumption exceeds a set ratio of active energy.
Read definitionShunt Reactor
A coil that protects capacitors from resonance in high-harmonic environments, enabling detuned compensation.
Read definitionTransformer Load
The ratio of the load a power transformer carries at a given moment to its rated capacity.
Read definitionFrom concept to control
Understand the term, then see it live in your own data. SolarTools monitors energy, power quality and solar performance in real time.
Try for Free