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NANOHYDRO Any hydro plant that produces less than 100 watts.

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE (NEC) A document that describes the legal standards for residential and commercial wiring practices with safety as the prime objective. Many U.S. jurisdictions base their wiring inspections on the NEC.

NET METERING State by state legislation that requires utilities to purchase renewably produced electricity at the same price that they sell it, until a building’s monthly or annual energy use is offset.

NOMINAL VOLTAGE A reference voltage used to describe batteries, modules, or systems (for example, a 12 volt or 24 volt battery, module, or system).

NOSECONE The pointed piece farthest toward the wind on a wind generator, designed primarily for cosmetic purposes, but also protects the blade attachment points and generator from the weather.