# photovoltaic

/ˌfoʊtəˌvoʊɫˈteɪɪk/ (US) · /fˌəʊtəʊvəʊltˈeɪɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/photovoltaic
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

describing a way to make electricity directly from sunlight. You usually see this word when people talk about solar panels.

For teachers: relating to the production of electric current at the junction of two substances exposed to light. Typically describes the technology or process used in solar energy systems.

## Examples

- The house has a photovoltaic system on the roof.
- The government is offering subsidies to encourage homeowners to install photovoltaic panels to reduce carbon emissions.
- Advances in thin-film photovoltaic technology have significantly increased the efficiency of solar energy harvesting in regions with lower average sunlight hours.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'cell', 'panel', or 'array'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.