photovoltaic

American  

[foh-toh-vol-tey-ik, -vohl-] / ˌfoʊ toʊ vɒlˈteɪ ɪk, -voʊl- /

adjective

Electricity.

1. of or relating to the photovoltaic effect.

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photovoltaic British  

/ ˌfəʊtəʊvɒlˈteɪɪk /

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or producing electric current or voltage caused by electromagnetic radiation, esp visible light from the sun

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photovoltaic Scientific  

/ fō′tō-vŏl-tā′ĭk,-vōl- /

1. Capable of producing a voltage, usually through photoemission, when exposed to radiant energy, especially light.

2. See more at photoelectric solar cell

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Etymology

Origin of photovoltaic

First recorded in 1920–25; photo- + voltaic

Example Sentences

Dhawan further said technologies such as solar cooking systems - including solar cookers as well as solar photovoltaic systems connected to electric cooking devices - can reduce dependence on fossil fuels for household energy needs.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

First Solar describes itself as the largest U.S.-based photovoltaic solar technology and manufacturing company among the world’s largest solar manufacturers.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

The photovoltaic industry uses about as much of the precious metal as jewelers, and rising prices have jacked up costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

The mirror-and-tower technology that once seemed so promising was outpaced by flat photovoltaic solar panels, which soon proved cheaper and more efficient and became the industry standard.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2026

“These grass blades are our photovoltaic panels,” he says.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan