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photovoltaic

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

adjective

Electricity.
  1. of or relating to the photovoltaic effect.


photovoltaic British  
/ ˌfəʊtəʊvɒlˈteɪɪk /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

photovoltaic Scientific  
/ fō′tō-vŏl-tāĭk,-vōl- /
  1. Capable of producing a voltage, usually through photoemission, when exposed to radiant energy, especially light.

  2. See more at photoelectric solar cell


Etymology

Origin of photovoltaic

First recorded in 1920–25; photo- + voltaic

Vocabulary lists containing photovoltaic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

This reversed architecture offers high power conversion potential and works well with solution based processing methods suited for large scale production, making it an appealing photovoltaic design.

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 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

Others said solar photovoltaic and battery storage are the best, most cost-effective way to secure California’s energy future.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2026

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

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

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