photovoltaic

Relating to the generation of electric current at the junction of two substances exposed to light; used especially of solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity.

• photovoltaics(n)光伏学
• PV(abbreviation)

• photovoltaic cell
• photovoltaic panel
• photovoltaic system
• photovoltaic efficiency
• photovoltaic array

1. 1.Photovoltaic panels have dropped in cost by over 99% since the 1970s, making solar electricity cheaper than coal in most markets. (solar technology)
2. 2.A photovoltaic cell works by using photons to knock electrons free from silicon atoms, generating a flow of current. (energy conversion mechanism)

• solar/ˈsoʊlər/— relating to the sun, broader
• photoelectric— light producing electricity

from Greek "phos" (light) + "volt" (after Alessandro Volta, pioneer of electricity) + "-aic" — electricity from light