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photovoltaics

American  
[foh-toh-vohl-tey-iks] / ˌfoʊ toʊ voʊlˈteɪ ɪks /

noun

Physics.
  1. (used with a singular verb) a field of semiconductor technology involving the direct conversion of electromagnetic radiation as sunlight, into electricity.

  2. (used with a plural verb) devices designed to perform such conversion.


Etymology

Origin of photovoltaics

First recorded in 1975–80; photovoltaic, -ics

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.

Some places are still building concentrated solar facilities, among them China, Mexico and Dubai, and it can have some advantages over photovoltaics, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple filled their hilltop home with many eco-friendly elements, including photovoltaics that span the length of the main structure and produce more power than the property requires.

From MarketWatch

The laboratory is home to the National Center for Photovoltaics, which was created to help the U.S. solar industry maintain a competitive position.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The pace varies, but renewables grow faster than any other major energy source in all scenarios, led by solar photovoltaics," the agency, which advises mostly developed nations, said in its 518-page report.

From Barron's

Renewables grow faster than any other major energy source across all scenarios, driven by solar photovoltaics.

From The Wall Street Journal