STC
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Energy
| Stands for | Standard test conditions |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
STC stands for Standard test conditions, an energy abbreviation.
Laboratory conditions used to rate solar panels: irradiance of 1,000 watts per square meter, a cell temperature of 25 °C and a light spectrum corresponding to air mass 1.5. A panel's nameplate wattage and efficiency are measured at STC.
Example: The 430-watt rating applies at STC; on a hot roof the panel will typically produce less.
Usage notes
Real panels usually run much hotter than 25 °C in sunlight, losing roughly 0.3-0.4% of output per degree, so manufacturers also publish ratings under nominal operating conditions (NOCT or NMOT). Comparing panels at STC ensures a fair, consistent basis.
Related abbreviations
More energy abbreviations
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- BESS – Battery energy storage system
- BEV – Battery electric vehicle
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- BWR – Boiling water reactor
- CANDU – Canada Deuterium Uranium
- CCGT – Combined-cycle gas turbine
- CCS – Combined Charging System
- CF – Capacity factor
- CHP – Combined heat and power
- CNG – Compressed natural gas