M

MAGNETIC DECLINATION The number of degrees east or west of true south from magnetic south.

MAXIMUM POWER POINT The point on a PV module’s voltage/amperage curve where the product of current and voltage is a maximum (measured in watts).

MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING (MPPT) Electronically tracking the maximum power point of a PV module to achieve the highest possible output, by (in simplest terms) using surplus voltage to boost amperage.

MICROHYDRO Hydro-electric plants producing more than 100 watts and less than 2,000 watts.

MODULE The smallest no divisible, self-contained, and environmentally protected physical structure housing interconnected photovoltaic cells and providing a single DC electrical output. Commonly called a “panel.”

MOTOR A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

MULTICRYSTALLINE CELL See POLYCRYSTALLINE CELL