photovoltaics
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photovoltaics
The technology in which sunlight is converted directly into electrical energy using solar cells.
Durch Photovoltaik auf dem Dach können wir unseren eigenen Strom erzeugen.
Through photovoltaics on the roof, we can generate our own electricity.
The word is made up of two parts: 'Photo' comes from Greek and means 'light'. 'Voltaik' refers to the physicist Alessandro Volta, after whom the electrical unit 'Volt' is named. So 'Photovoltaik' (photovoltaics) literally means 'light electricity'.
Die Erfindung der Photovoltaik war ein Meilenstein für erneuerbare Energien.
The invention of photovoltaics was a milestone for renewable energy.
'Photovoltaik' (photovoltaics) is the exact technical term from physics and engineering. It is used especially in technical documentation, scientific texts, and the energy sector.
Der Ingenieur ist Experte für Photovoltaik.
The engineer is an expert in photovoltaics.
The word is very often used in the combination 'Photovoltaik-Anlage' (photovoltaic system). Other typical combinations are 'Photovoltaik nutzen' (to use photovoltaics), 'Photovoltaik installieren' (to install photovoltaics), or 'die Förderung von Photovoltaik' (the promotion/subsidizing of photovoltaics).
Immer mehr Hausbesitzer installieren eine Photovoltaik-Anlage auf ihrem Dach.
More and more homeowners are installing a photovoltaic system on their roof.
As a term for a technology, 'Photovoltaik' (photovoltaics) is an uncountable noun. It is therefore almost always used in the singular.
Die Forschung im Bereich der Photovoltaik macht große Fortschritte.
Research in the field of photovoltaics is making great progress.
solar energy
Both words relate to the use of solar radiation. “Die Photovoltaik” refers to the technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity, while “die Solarenergie” refers to the energy obtained from it. When talking about systems and conversion, “Photovoltaik” is the right choice; when talking about the energy source, “Solarenergie” is the right choice.
Die Photovoltaik auf dem Hausdach wandelt Sonnenlicht direkt in elektrischen Strom um.
The photovoltaic system on the roof converts sunlight directly into electricity.
Die Solarenergie vom Hausdach liefert der Familie sauberen Strom.
The solar energy from the roof provides the family with clean electricity.
