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

Examples of photovoltaic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That was in reference to the photovoltaic panels used to capture solar energy, which often contain heavy metals like zinc, nickel, lead, cadmium and mercury. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025

These photovoltaic panels are designed to generate renewable energy on-site, significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact while also lowering its operational costs. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025

According to Knell, industry data showed an increase in solar photovoltaic (PV) commodity costs of nearly 25% from 2022 to 2023, challenging previous assumptions about the affordability of the transition. —Felicia Jackson, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

But perhaps the biggest problem for Ivanpah is that photovoltaic solar — the technology used in solar panels — became really, really cheap. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for photovoltaic

• allogeneic
• algebraic
• aramaic
• formulaic
• ptolemaic
• syngeneic
• altaic
• archaic
• deltaic
• hebraic
• mosaic
• oleic