Solar energy glossary

COP

Coefficient of Performance — a measure of heat pump efficiency. A COP of 3 means the heat pump produces 3kWh of heat for every 1kWh of electricity used. Higher is better.

DNO

Distribution Network Operator — the company that owns and maintains the local electricity grid. For Glasgow, this is SPEN (Scottish Power Energy Networks).

EPC

Energy Performance Certificate — a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Required when selling or letting a property. Solar and heat pumps can improve your EPC rating.

G98/G99

The application forms for connecting a solar installation to the electricity grid via SPEN. G98 is the fast-track form for smaller systems (up to 3.68kW single-phase). G99 is for larger systems.

IBG

Insurance-Backed Guarantee — covers your renewable energy installation if the installing company ceases trading. Provided through the Independent Warranty Association (IWA) on every installation.

kWh

Kilowatt-hour — a unit of energy. A typical Glasgow household uses 3,000–4,000 kWh of electricity annually.

kWp

Kilowatt-peak — the maximum output of a solar panel or system under standard test conditions. A 6kWp system uses 12 × 500W panels.

LiFePO4

Lithium iron phosphate — a battery chemistry known for long cycle life, thermal stability and safety. Used in the Hanchu batteries specified in our standard installation.

MCS

Microgeneration Certification Scheme — the UK quality standard for small-scale renewable energy installations. An MCS certificate is normally required to register for the Smart Export Guarantee. We install through MCS-certified partners — check any installer on the register at mcscertified.com.

MIS 3002

MCS Installation Standard 3002 — the technical standard for solar PV system design and installation, including regional yield data used to estimate annual generation.

RTE

Round-Trip Efficiency — the percentage of energy recovered from a battery compared to what was put in. A typical AC-coupled system has an RTE of 88%.

SEG

Smart Export Guarantee — a government-backed scheme that pays you for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Your installer registers your system. Flat-rate export tariffs currently range from roughly 1p to 25p/kWh, with time-of-use peaks higher. Check current rates with your supplier.

SPEN

Scottish Power Energy Networks — the Distribution Network Operator for the Glasgow and central Scotland area.

TrustMark

A government-endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople. TrustMark registration means the work is lodged on the TrustMark Data Warehouse, linked to your property’s EPC.

Term missing? Call 0141 230 0198 and we will add it.