Glossary
Photovoltaic system
A solar energy system that converts sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels, along with associated inverters, wiring, and mounting equipment.
Why it matters
Many solar-rights statutes define what they protect by equipment type. California Civil Code
section 714 sets specific benchmarks for photovoltaic systems ($1,000 in added cost and 10
percent efficiency), while solar domestic water-heating and pool-heating systems are measured
differently under the same section.
What to check
Whether the statute or rule at issue covers photovoltaic systems specifically, and which
benchmarks or requirements apply to the proposed equipment type.
Jurisdictional variation
Statutory definitions of solar energy systems vary by state; the guides citing this term state
the applicable definition.