Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, interconnected assembly of solar cells: A "solar array" is an electrical device designed to convert sunlight into electricity. It is constructed by connecting multiple individual solar cells (also called photovoltaic cells) together to form a single, more powerful unit.

Usage

• A "solar array" is typically installed on rooftops, ground-mounted frames, or on spacecraft to generate electrical power from sunlight.
• The term refers to the complete, functional panel or set of panels, not to individual components.

Examples

• The new office building gets half its power from a solar array on its roof.
• Engineers are deploying the satellite's solar array to begin charging its batteries.
• A large solar array was installed in the field to power the irrigation system.

Advanced Usage

• "To deploy a solar array": This phrase is commonly used in aerospace and engineering contexts to describe the action of unfolding or positioning the array so it can capture sunlight.
  • After reaching orbit, the spacecraft will deploy its solar array.

Variants and Related Words

• Solar panel: Often used interchangeably with "solar array," though a "panel" can be a smaller subunit, while an "array" typically implies a larger, connected system of multiple panels.
• Photovoltaic array: A more technical synonym for "solar array."
• Solar cell: The basic individual unit that converts light to electricity; many cells are connected to form an array.

Synonyms

• Photovoltaic system
• Solar panel system
• Solar power module (when referring to the assembled unit)

Related Phrases

• Solar array farm: A large-scale installation consisting of many solar arrays.
  • The desert is home to a massive solar array farm that supplies power to the city.

Noun

1. electrical device consisting of a large array of connected solar cells