RV Solar System Glossary
Amps
The unit of measurement for the strength of electrical current.
BIM
Battery Isolation Manager – a component used to charge the house battery bank, when the RV is connected to sore or generator power.
Bus Bar
Hardware used to organize multiple electrical wire connections at one common location.
Converter
A component used to charge the house battery bank, when the RV is connected to sore or generator power.
DC-DC Charger
A component used to charge the house battery bank while the engine is running (via the alternator).
Disconnect Switch
A safety device within an electric circuit, used to intentionally interrupt the circuit.
Fuse
A safety device within an electric circuit, used to interrupt the current in case of overload.
Inverter
A component used to change 12V DC power from the house battery bank to 120V AC power. Allows for the use of 120V AC electrical use when the RV is not connected to shore or generator power.
MPPT
Maximum Power Point Tracking – an advanced type of solar charge controller.
PWM
Pulse Width Modulation – a basic type of solar charge controller.
PV
Photovoltaic – that which uses sunlight to produce electricity.
Solar Charge Controller
A component used to regulate the voltage coming from the solar panels, in order to safely recharge the house battery bank.
Volts
The unit of measurement for the force that causes electricity to move.
Watts
The unit of measurement for power. Amps x Volts = Watts.
