Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or involving the direct conversion of light into electricity: Describes a technology, cell, or system that generates electrical voltage when exposed to light or other radiant energy.

Usage

• The term photovoltaic is primarily used as a technical adjective to modify nouns related to energy technology.
• It is commonly used in the context of renewable energy, solar power, and semiconductor physics.
• Example:

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The photovoltaic cells on the satellite's panels convert sunlight into power.
  • Advances in photovoltaic materials have made solar energy more efficient.
  • They installed a new photovoltaic array on the roof.

Advanced Usage

• Photovoltaic effect: The physical and chemical phenomenon where voltage is generated in a material upon exposure to light.
  • The photovoltaic effect was first observed in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel.
• Photovoltaic conversion efficiency: A measure of how effectively a device converts light into electrical energy.
  • Researchers are focused on improving photovoltaic conversion efficiency.

Variants and Related Words

• Photovoltaics (n, plural): The field of technology and research concerning the application of the photovoltaic effect.
  • He works in the field of photovoltaics.
• Photovoltaic cell (n): A specific device, also commonly called a solar cell, that produces electricity from light.
  • Each module contains dozens of photovoltaic cells.
• PV (abbreviation): A common abbreviation for "photovoltaic."
  • The PV industry has seen rapid growth.

Synonyms

• Solar-electric: Pertaining to the direct generation of electricity from sunlight.
• Photoemissive: Relating to the emission of electrons when light hits a material (a related but distinct physical effect).

Related Phrases

• Grid-connected photovoltaic system: A solar power system that is connected to the main electrical grid.
  • Their grid-connected photovoltaic system allows them to sell excess power.
• Stand-alone photovoltaic system: An independent solar power system not connected to a grid, often using batteries.
  • The cabin is powered by a stand-alone photovoltaic system.

Adjective

1. producing a voltage when exposed to radiant energy (especially light)