Distributed Generation

Small-scale electricity generation located close to where the electricity is used, often including rooftop solar systems like the Tesla Solar Roof.

Direct Current

Electric current that flows in one direction, produced by the Tesla Solar Roof before being converted to AC by an inverter for home use.

Current

The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A), which is crucial in determining the performance of solar power systems.

Charge Controller

A device that regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to the battery, preventing overcharging.

Cell

The basic unit of a solar module that converts sunlight into electricity. Tesla’s Solar Roof uses smaller, integrated solar cells within roof tiles.

Capacity

The maximum output a Tesla Solar Roof system can produce under ideal conditions, usually measured in kilowatts (kW).

Bifacial Solar Tiles

Tiles that can capture sunlight from both sides, increasing overall energy production.

Battery Storage

Devices that store excess energy generated by the Tesla Solar Roof, typically using the Tesla Powerwall, for use during non-sunny periods or power outages.

Balance of System

All components of a solar power system excluding the solar tiles. This includes inverters, wiring, and monitoring equipment.

Autobidder

Tesla’s real-time trading and control platform that optimizes the economic value of distributed energy resources, such as solar and battery systems.