Okuzeka
Energy & Renewables vocabulary · Solar Energy

Photovoltaic

Meaning in energy & renewables, with examples

/ˌfoʊtoʊvɑːlˈteɪɪk/adjectiveCore term

In energy & renewables, photovoltaic means: Describing technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials, as in solar cells and solar panels. It is usually shortened to PV.

In Turkish: fotovoltaik, PV

How it is used

In professional talk almost always shortened: PV module, PV plant, PV system, solar PV. It separates electricity-producing solar from solar thermal systems that produce heat. PV is read 'pee-vee'.

Example sentences

  1. The photovoltaic system on the school roof covers most of its daytime electricity use.

  2. Photovoltaic module prices fell sharply over the last decade.

Common collocations

  • photovoltaic system
  • PV module
  • PV plant
  • solar PV
  • photovoltaic cell
  • solar panelA flat, framed unit made of many solar cells that turns sunlight directly into electricity. Many panels connected together form a solar array.
  • solar cellA thin semiconductor device, usually made of silicon, that produces electricity when light falls on it. Many cells connected together make up a solar panel.
  • inverterA device that converts the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels or batteries into alternating current (AC) that buildings can use or that can be fed into the grid.
  • irradianceThe power of sunlight falling on a surface at a given moment, measured in watts per square metre (W/m²). It sets how much a solar panel can produce at that time.

More terms: Solar Energy

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: