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Photovoltaic for Dummies

pronunciation: ,foʊtoʊvɑl'teɪɪk

What does Photovoltaic really mean?

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Photovoltaic is a pretty big word, isn't it? But don't worry, I'm here to explain it to you in a way that you will understand. So let's break it down together, step by step.

Photovoltaic is a term we use to describe a really cool way to get electricity from the Sun. You know how the Sun gives us light? Well, it also gives off something called solar energy. This energy is super important because we can use it to power things like lights, TVs, and even cars!

Now, let's look at the word itself. "Photo" means light and "voltaic" has to do with electricity. So when we put the two together, "photovoltaic" means using light to create electricity. It's like having a special machine that can turn sunlight into power that we can use.

You might be wondering how this really works. Well, it's all thanks to something called solar cells. These are special devices that are made up of tiny smaller parts called semiconductors. They are kind of like the LEGO bricks of electricity. When sunlight hits these solar cells, it excites the semiconductors and makes them produce electricity.

Think of it like this - imagine the sunlight is like food and the solar cells are like a chef in a kitchen. When the sunlight (food) comes into the kitchen (solar cell), the chef (semiconductors) gets all excited and starts cooking up some delicious electricity dishes. Yum!

So, that's the first meaning of photovoltaic - using light to create electricity. But there's more! Photovoltaic can also refer to all the different things we use to collect and use this solar energy. You might have seen big panels on the roofs of houses or even on streetlights. These are called photovoltaic panels because they are collecting the sunlight and turning it into electricity.

Now, let's recap. Photovoltaic means using light to create electricity, like the way solar cells turn sunlight into power. It can also refer to the things, like panels, that collect the sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

I hope that explanation helped you understand what photovoltaic means. It's always important to break down big words into smaller parts to make them easier to understand. So next time you see a solar panel or hear someone talking about photovoltaic, you'll know exactly what they are talking about. Keep on learning, and don't be afraid to ask questions!

Revised and Fact checked by Sarah Thompson on 2023-10-29 20:27:55

Photovoltaic In a sentece

Learn how to use Photovoltaic inside a sentece

  • Using photovoltaic cells, sunlight is converted into electricity to power homes and buildings.
  • A photovoltaic system on the rooftop can generate enough energy to charge a mobile phone.
  • In remote areas, photovoltaic panels are used to provide electricity and power basic appliances.
  • Solar-powered calculators use photovoltaic cells to operate without needing batteries.
  • Photovoltaic streetlights store energy during the day to illuminate roads and pathways at night.

Photovoltaic Pertains To

Words to which the original word is relevant