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

High-efficiency energy systems, photovoltaic panels and a geothermal system further contribute to minimizing emissions. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025

The off-grid home is powered by a wind turbine and an array of photovoltaic panels that feed energy into storage batteries. —Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025

In 2024, 92% of the world’s supply of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and 82% of wind turbines came from one country—China. —Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025

Employees work on photovoltaic cell modules, used in solar panels, at a factory which produces the modules for export to the US and Europe, in Lianyungang, in China's eastern Jiangsu province on September 26, 2025. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 29 Sep. 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