photovoltaic
foh-toh-vol-TAY-ik
/ˌfoʊ.toʊ.vɒlˈteɪ.ɪk/
Producing electric current directly at the atomic level when light strikes semiconductor materials.
Specifically describes solid-state physics devices (like silicon solar cells) that turn light particles directly into electricity without moving mechanical parts.
The story behind the word. Combines Greek 'phos' (light) with 'volt', named after electrical pioneer Alessandro Volta. The photovoltaic effect was first observed by French physicist Edmond Becquerel in 1839.
Word relationships
- solar-electric: 'Solar-electric' is an informal description, whereas 'photovoltaic' is the technical scientific term for light-to-electricity conversion.
Commonly confused with
- solar: 'Solar' is an umbrella term for anything related to the sun; 'photovoltaic' specifies the physical light-to-electricity conversion mechanism.
Word family
- photovoltaics (noun): The branch of technology concerned with solar cells.
Collocations
- photovoltaic cell
- photovoltaic panel
- photovoltaic effect
- photovoltaic system
Example sentences
- "Advances in photovoltaic silicon cell efficiency have dramatically lowered the cost of generating clean solar electricity nationwide." Applied Physics
Memory hook
PHOTO (Light) + VOLT (Voltage/Electricity) = Light turned directly into voltage. Light into lightning.
When not to use
Do not use to describe thermal solar collectors that simply heat up water tubes on a roof.
Fun facts
- Early photovoltaic cells created in the 1950s had an efficiency of only 6%, whereas modern commercial cells routinely exceed 22%.
Related words
Explore more words
Renewable Energy, photosynthesis, Quantum, particulate, mineral, Nanomaterial
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