photovoltaic
adjective
pho·to·vol·ta·ic ˌfō-tō-väl-ˈtā-ik 
-vōl-
: of, relating to, or utilizing the generation of a voltage when radiant energy falls on the boundary between dissimilar substances (such as two different semiconductors)
photovoltaic noun
Did you know?
Sunshine and Photovoltaic
The -voltaic part of photovoltaic comes from the name of Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery. Thus, unlike photoelectric cells, which use electricity for certain small tasks, photovoltaic (or PV) cells actually produce electricity. Solar cells, the standard type of photovoltaic cells (often called simply photocells), operate without chemicals and with no moving parts to create energy directly from sunlight. Much research is now being done on creating an alternative technology—solar film, which could be stuck onto almost any surface, or possibly even sprayed on.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web For facades in urban areas, color seems to be main focus, with a veritable rainbow of photovoltaic options now commercially available. 
Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021 Energy-efficient features include photovoltaic roof panels, radiant heat floors and a garage ready for a car charging station. oregonlive, 16 Aug. 2022 Reliance intends to to set up four giga factories to make solar photovoltaic modules, energy storage batteries, electrolyzer and fuel cell. Ramakrishnan Narayanan, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2021 From solar skins to rooftop photovoltaic panels, naval architects have already devised a number of ingenious ways for yachts to generate power from the sun. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 June 2022 Regardless of the name, the 50,000 photovoltaic panels topping the brand-new 1.1 million square foot Google office building on the 42-acre Bay View campus in California does more than have a catchy name. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 20 May 2022 Chairman Mukesh Ambani said the company would invest $10 billion over three years to build four factories to manufacture solar photovoltaic modules, batteries, fuel cells, and electrolysers, for the production of hydrogen. Oliver Staley, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2021 Decorated with a perfect foam flourish, delivered at just the right temperature, it was brewed and steamed with electricity from the hotel’s own photovoltaic solar panels. Amy Thomas, Vogue, 26 July 2022 Most research on photovoltaic panels is focused on recovering solar-grade silicon to make recycling economically viable. Rachel Kisela, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2022 See More
Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021 Energy-efficient features include photovoltaic roof panels, radiant heat floors and a garage ready for a car charging station. oregonlive, 16 Aug. 2022 Reliance intends to to set up four giga factories to make solar photovoltaic modules, energy storage batteries, electrolyzer and fuel cell. Ramakrishnan Narayanan, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2021 From solar skins to rooftop photovoltaic panels, naval architects have already devised a number of ingenious ways for yachts to generate power from the sun. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 June 2022 Regardless of the name, the 50,000 photovoltaic panels topping the brand-new 1.1 million square foot Google office building on the 42-acre Bay View campus in California does more than have a catchy name. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 20 May 2022 Chairman Mukesh Ambani said the company would invest $10 billion over three years to build four factories to manufacture solar photovoltaic modules, batteries, fuel cells, and electrolysers, for the production of hydrogen. Oliver Staley, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2021 Decorated with a perfect foam flourish, delivered at just the right temperature, it was brewed and steamed with electricity from the hotel’s own photovoltaic solar panels. Amy Thomas, Vogue, 26 July 2022 Most research on photovoltaic panels is focused on recovering solar-grade silicon to make recycling economically viable. Rachel Kisela, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
circa 1889, in the meaning defined above