ELElectrifyLocal

Glossary

Practical definitions for EV charging, solar, battery, and electrical-infrastructure decisions. Terms are written for homeowners and small commercial buyers.

15 terms currently available, including launch baseline definitions where published inventory is still expanding.

Use terms in context

Pair glossary definitions with service guides, incentives, and location pages before comparing provider quotes.

Amperage

The measure of electrical current, often used when sizing circuits, breakers, and equipment settings.

Demand Charge

A utility billing component based on peak power demand over a billing period, common in commercial tariffs.

EVSE

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, the hardware and controls that deliver electricity to an EV.

Home Battery

An energy storage system that can provide backup power and/or shift when electricity is used.

Interconnection

The process of obtaining utility approval to connect generation or storage systems to the grid.

Inverter

Equipment that converts DC electricity to AC electricity and coordinates system behavior for solar and battery setups.

Level 2 Charging

AC charging at higher power than Level 1, typically used for home and workplace EV charging.

Load Management

Controlling EV charging load to avoid panel overload

Net Metering

A billing structure that credits exported electricity from onsite generation according to utility policy.

Panel Upgrade

Replacing or reconfiguring an electrical panel so it safely supports additional loads or updated code requirements.

Permit

Formal approval from the local authority that installation work meets required code and review standards.

Service Upgrade

Increasing the electrical service capacity delivered to a property, often involving utility-side and customer-side changes.

Site Assessment

A structured review of property conditions, electrical constraints, and project requirements before final scope approval.

Smart Charging

Charging controls that optimize timing and power levels based on site limits, rates, or operational goals.

Time-of-Use Rates

Utility pricing where electricity cost varies by time period (for example peak vs off-peak).