Short answer
This Antalya solar energy glossary explains 50 key terms you will meet in quotes and contracts, such as kWp, kWh, PVGIS, self-consumption, net metering, the connection approval letter, MPPT, TOPCon, LiFePO4 and DoD, with short, clear definitions. Each term is covered in one to three sentences, with an Antalya example wherever possible, so you can make sure different quotes speak the same language and decide on your installation with confidence.
Key takeaways
- kWp shows a system's installed capacity, while kWh shows the amount of energy produced or consumed; the two units must not be confused in quotes.
- According to PVGIS 5.3, a 1 kWp system in central Antalya has a theoretical annual yield of 1,656 kWh (optimum tilt 33°, facing south, 14% system losses).
- For net-metered systems, the application is made to Akdeniz EDAŞ; the connection approval letter (çağrı mektubu) is one of the official steps in this process.
- TOPCon, half-cut and bifacial describe panel technology; MPPT, optimizers and microinverters describe the electronics.
- On the battery side, LiFePO4 chemistry, DoD (depth of discharge) and cycle count should be assessed together; the lithium batteries Solar Nexo supplies carry a warranty of 5 years / 8,000 cycles.
The first thing you notice when solar quotes start arriving is how full of abbreviations they are: kWp, MPPT, DoD, TOPCon, string, SPD… This Antalya solar energy glossary gathers the 50 key terms you are likely to meet in one place, with short, clear definitions. Each entry runs to one to three sentences and, wherever possible, comes with an example from Antalya.
The aim is not to turn you into an electrical engineer. It is to help you read quotes from different solar companies in Antalya in the same language, ask the right questions during the site survey and spot what a contract does and does not say.
How to use this Antalya solar energy glossary
The terms are sorted alphabetically into letter groups. When a quote contains a word you don't understand, find it in the relevant group and read the practical note under the definition. The table at the end of the article brings together the terms that appear most often in quotes and the question you should ask about each one.
For examples involving numbers, we used PVGIS 5.3 data. These values are theoretical: shading, soiling, orientation and tilt all change real production. For regulatory terms, we refer to the current regulations as of October 2026 and give no rates or limits, because these values can change.
A–C: from AC to cycle
AC (alternating current)
The type of current that comes out of the sockets in your home, whose direction reverses periodically. Panels produce DC; the inverter converts it to AC so that household appliances and the grid can use it.
AEDAŞ (Akdeniz EDAŞ)
The company responsible for electricity distribution in Antalya. Applications, connections and metering for grid-connected and net-metered solar systems all go through AEDAŞ.
Azimuth
The deviation of the direction the panels face from due south. In Turkey, south is generally preferred for maximum yield; east-west layouts spread production more evenly across the day.
Battery
Equipment that stores electricity produced during the day for later use. It is a core component of off-grid and hybrid systems; on-grid systems do not have one.
Bifacial panel
A panel that collects reflected light on its rear side as well as on its front. The rear-side gain can be more noticeable over light-coloured ground, on high-mounted carports or in ground-mounted installations.
Bypass diode
A component in the panel's junction box that routes current around a shaded group of cells. In partial shade, it prevents the whole panel from dropping out and limits overheating.
Carport
A supporting structure built over a parking area, with a roof made of solar panels. At workplace and hotel car parks in Antalya, it provides both shade and electricity.
Connection approval letter (çağrı mektubu)
The official letter the distribution company sends to the applicant after approving a grid connection application. The next steps and deadlines are set out in this letter and in the current regulations; for details, see our article what is a connection approval letter.
Critical load panel
The electrical sub-panel that separates the appliances to be supplied from the battery during an outage. Priority loads such as the fridge, router, lighting and pumps are usually connected to it.
Cycle
One full charge and discharge of a battery is called a cycle. Battery life is expressed in cycles; the TommaTech lithium batteries supplied by Solar Nexo carry a warranty of 5 years / 8,000 cycles.
D–H: from DC to hybrid
DC (direct current)
Current that flows in one constant direction. Panels and batteries work with DC, which is why the panel cables on the roof are called the "DC side".
DoD (depth of discharge)
Shows how much of a battery's total capacity is used. The DoD set in the inverter settings affects both the usable energy and the battery's long-term wear.
Earthing (grounding)
Connecting the panel frames, mounting system and equipment housings to the earth line. It is mandatory infrastructure, both for personal safety and for surge protection devices to work properly.
Efficiency (panel efficiency)
The share of the solar energy falling on a panel that it converts into electricity. A higher-efficiency panel fits more installed capacity into the same area, which is why it matters on small roofs.
EKB (Energy Performance Certificate, Enerji Kimlik Belgesi)
A certificate that rates a building's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is issued through the system of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, and the use of renewable energy is taken into account in the rating.
EPDK
The Energy Market Regulatory Authority, Turkey's energy market regulator. It sets electricity tariffs and publishes the rules on unlicensed generation.
Grid-tied system
The umbrella term for on-grid and hybrid systems. In Antalya solar energy projects, the application and connection process for these systems is handled with AEDAŞ.
Half-cut cell
A design in which cells are cut in half before being placed in the panel. Because each half-cell carries less current, resistive losses fall, and in partial shade the affected part of the panel stays more limited.
High-voltage battery
A battery architecture in which cells are connected in series to operate at high voltage. It is used with compatible high-voltage hybrid inverters; TommaTech's high-voltage lithium batteries are built this way.
Hot spot
A shaded, soiled or damaged cell that heats up more than the others. If it persists, it can permanently damage the panel; thermal camera panel inspection is the way to catch this problem early.
Hybrid system
A system that works connected to the grid while storing energy in a battery. It can keep running from the battery during an outage; the system we installed in Döşemealtı with a 20 kW hybrid inverter and a 30 kWh LiFePO4 battery is an example of this type.
I–M: from inverter to MPPT
Inverter
The device that converts the DC electricity produced by the panels into AC. There are on-grid, off-grid and hybrid types; on Solar Nexo installations, a 2-, 3- or 5-year factory warranty applies depending on the inverter's power rating and model.
Irradiance (solar radiation)
The amount of solar energy falling on a unit area. A region's solar potential is measured with radiation data, and tools such as PVGIS use this data to calculate theoretical production.
kWh (kilowatt-hour)
The unit of energy. Both the consumption on your electricity bill and a system's annual production are expressed in kWh.
kWp (kilowatt-peak)
The total power of the panels under standard test conditions, in other words the system's installed capacity. According to PVGIS 5.3, 1 kWp in central Antalya theoretically produces 1,656 kWh a year; for 10 kWp, that becomes 16,560 kWh.
LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate)
A lithium battery chemistry widely used for solar storage. It stands out for its thermal stability and long cycle life; details are in our article what is a LiFePO4 battery.
MC4 connector
A waterproof connector type used to connect panels to each other and to the DC cables. Not mating connectors from different manufacturers is recommended practice for connection safety.
Microinverter
A small inverter mounted under each panel or a few panels. It lets the panels operate independently of each other and can be considered for shaded or multi-orientation roofs.
Monitoring system
The setup that lets you follow production, consumption and battery status from your phone or computer. Sudden drops in output and fault codes are spotted early on this screen.
Monocrystalline panel
A panel made from single-crystal silicon cells. It is the panel type most widely used on residential and commercial roofs.
MPPT
Short for maximum power point tracking: the inverter's function of continuously searching for the highest power it can draw from a panel string as light and temperature change. Multiple MPPT inputs allow strings facing different directions to be managed separately.
N–P: from net metering to PVGIS
Net metering (mahsuplaşma)
Offsetting the electricity a system exports to the grid against the electricity it imports over a given period. The netting period and rules are set by the current regulations; in Antalya, the application goes to AEDAŞ.
Off-grid system
A battery-based system that works completely independently of the grid. The system we installed in Döşemealtı with 10×605 W panels, an 11 kW off-grid inverter and a 15 kWh LiFePO4 battery is an example of this type.
On-grid system
A battery-free system that runs in parallel with the grid. Production is consumed in the home as it is generated, and the surplus is exported to the grid under net metering rules; when the grid goes down, the system also stops for safety reasons.
Optimizer (power optimizer)
A device that performs MPPT at panel level and works together with a central string inverter. For how it differs from a microinverter, take a look at our article on microinverters and optimizers.
Performance warranty
The manufacturer's commitment that a panel will maintain a certain power level for a certain period. The panels Solar Nexo installs carry a 30-year performance warranty; the product and material warranty varies by model and is stated in the warranty certificate.
PID (potential induced degradation)
Power loss caused by the voltage difference between the panel cells and the earthed frame. Because the risk can rise in hot, humid conditions, it is taken into account when choosing panels and inverters along the Antalya coast.
PVGIS
The free solar yield calculation tool of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. According to PVGIS 5.3, the theoretical annual yield is 1,656 kWh/kWp in central Antalya, 1,615 in Alanya, 1,649 in Manavgat, 1,664 in Kaş and 1,719 in Elmalı.
R–S: terms common in quotes for solar panels in Antalya
Regulations (unlicensed generation)
The rules governing applications, connections and net metering for rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems. Because the rules are updated over time, any assessment should be based on the current regulations as of October 2026.
Self-consumption
The share of the electricity produced by a solar system that is used in the building at the same moment, without being exported to the grid. Air conditioners, pool pumps and business loads running during the day all increase self-consumption.
Single-phase and three-phase
Single-phase and three-phase describe the type of electrical connection. The inverter is chosen according to the building's supply type; TommaTech's Uno series are single-phase and its Trio series three-phase inverters.
String
A group of panels connected in series. The number of panels in a string is calculated from the inverter's voltage range and the panel's open-circuit voltage.
Surge protection device (SPD)
A device that protects equipment by diverting sudden voltage spikes from lightning or the grid to earth. Separate devices are used on the DC and AC sides, and they only work together with proper earthing.
System losses
The total energy loss caused by factors such as cables, the inverter, temperature and soiling. PVGIS calculations use 14% system losses by default.
T–W: from temperature coefficient to Wp
Temperature coefficient
The value that shows by how much a panel's power falls as its temperature rises; it is listed on the panel's datasheet. During Antalya's hot summer months, panels with a lower value lose less power.
Tilt angle
The angle between the panel and the horizontal plane. According to PVGIS, the optimum tilt that maximises annual yield in central Antalya is 33°.
TOPCon
Short for tunnel oxide passivated contact, a technology used in N-type cells. The Solar Nexo catalogue includes TommaTech and CW Enerji TOPCon N-Type panels; details are in our article what is a TOPCon panel.
Two-way (bidirectional) meter
A meter that measures electricity imported from and exported to the grid separately. For net-metered systems, the distribution company sets up the metering arrangement accordingly during the connection process.
Voc (open-circuit voltage)
The voltage measured across a panel's terminals when it is not connected to a load. In string design, Voc is taken into account so the inverter's upper voltage limit is never exceeded.
Wp (watt-peak)
The power of a single panel under standard test conditions. For example, 20 panels of 605 Wp add up to 12.1 kWp of installed capacity.
Antalya solar energy terms in quotes: quick reference table
The table below summarises the terms that appear most often in quotes for solar panels in Antalya and the question you should put to the company about each. When comparing quotes, asking for the answers in writing makes the job much easier.
| Term in the quote | What it describes | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| kWp / Wp | Installed capacity | How many panels, of how many Wp, which brand and model? |
| Estimated kWh | Expected annual production | Is the calculation based on PVGIS, and does it include shading and orientation? |
| TOPCon / N-type | Cell technology | Will the panel datasheet and warranty certificate be handed over? |
| Number of MPPTs | How the inverter manages strings | Will strings facing different directions go to separate MPPTs? |
| Performance warranty | Retention of panel power | How are the warranty period and conditions worded in the certificate? |
| Battery kWh / DoD | Storage capacity | What are the usable capacity and the DoD setting? |
| Cycles | Battery life | How many years and how many cycles does the warranty cover? |
| SPD / earthing | Protection infrastructure | Are protection and earthing on the DC and AC sides included in the design? |
| Monitoring | Remote tracking | How will app access and fault notifications be provided? |
This table turns the terms in the Antalya solar energy glossary into a practical checklist. If one of these rows is left blank in a quote, you are entitled to ask the solar installer to fill in the missing information.
Conclusion
What makes a solar decision difficult is often not the technology itself but the language of the quote. This Antalya solar energy glossary was written to help you tell kWp from kWh, on-grid from hybrid and DoD from cycles, and to compare quotes for solar panels in Antalya on the same criteria. A customer who knows the terms asks better questions during the survey and easily spots what is missing from a contract.
If you come across a term that is not in the glossary, or you are not sure what a quote in front of you actually says, ask the Solar Nexo Engineering Team; a good solar installer should be glad to explain every line. For a free site survey in Antalya and the surrounding area, call +90 540 007 63 96 or reach us through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between kWp and kWh?
kWp shows a system's installed capacity, while kWh shows the amount of energy produced or consumed over a given period. kWp is the total power of the panels under standard test conditions; kWh is the unit you see on your bill and in production reports. According to PVGIS 5.3, a 1 kWp system in central Antalya theoretically produces 1,656 kWh a year. That is why quotes should state both the installed capacity and the estimated annual production separately.
What does self-consumption mean?
Self-consumption is the share of the electricity produced by a solar system that is used in the building at the same moment, without being exported to the grid. Air conditioners, pool pumps, heat pumps or business equipment running during daylight hours all increase self-consumption. The higher the self-consumption rate, the less electricity is drawn from the grid. That is why system design looks not only at total annual consumption but also at the hours of the day when consumption peaks.
What is a connection approval letter and who sends it?
The connection approval letter (çağrı mektubu) is the official letter the distribution company sends to the applicant after approving a grid connection application. In Antalya, it is issued by Akdeniz EDAŞ. The letter sets out the next steps and the deadlines for them. Because the rules can change over time, it is important to follow the current regulations as of October 2026 and not to miss the deadlines stated in the letter.
Why do DoD and cycle count matter when choosing a battery?
DoD shows how much of a battery's capacity is used, and cycle count shows how many times the battery can be charged and discharged. Together they determine the battery's usable energy and lifespan. A quote should state not only the total kWh but also the usable capacity and the warranty terms. The TommaTech lithium batteries supplied by Solar Nexo carry a warranty of 5 years / 8,000 cycles.
Are MPPT and an optimizer the same thing?
No, but they perform the same function at different points. MPPT is the tracking function that tries to capture the highest power as light and temperature change, and it usually runs at string level inside the inverter. An optimizer is a separate device that performs this function behind each panel, at panel level. On shaded roofs or roofs facing several directions, optimizers or microinverters can be considered.
Can TOPCon, half-cut and bifacial all apply to the same panel?
Yes. Because these terms describe different features, they can all apply to one panel. TOPCon refers to the cell technology, half-cut means the cells are cut in half before being placed, and bifacial means the panel can also collect light on its rear side. Which features a panel has is stated on the manufacturer's datasheet. When you receive a quote, asking for the panel's exact model name and datasheet is the soundest approach.
Do PVGIS values show real production?
PVGIS values are a theoretical starting point; they do not show real production one-to-one. The PVGIS 5.3 calculation assumes the optimum tilt, a south-facing orientation and 14% system losses, and gives 1,656 kWh per kWp per year for central Antalya. Real production deviates from this value depending on roof orientation, tilt, shading, soiling and equipment choice. That is why a roof-specific calculation is needed during the site survey.
Sources
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