solar energy
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solar energy
Energy obtained from the sun's radiation. It is often converted into electricity with the help of solar cells.
Unser Hausdach ist mit Modulen zur Gewinnung von Solarenergie ausgestattet.
Our house roof is equipped with panels for generating solar energy.
The word is made up of 'solar' (derived from the Latin word 'sol' for sun) and 'Energie' (energy). So the meaning is literally 'Sonnenenergie' (sun energy/solar energy).
Die Forschung an effizienterer Solarenergie schreitet schnell voran.
Research into more efficient solar energy is progressing quickly.
The component 'Solar-' (solar) is used for many words connected with solar energy. When you see 'Solar-', it is usually about the sun, for example in 'Solarzelle' (solar cell), 'Solaranlage' (solar power system), or 'Solarpanel' (solar panel).
Eine neue Solaranlage auf dem Dach kann die Stromrechnung deutlich senken.
A new solar power system on the roof can significantly reduce the electricity bill.
Common verbs used with 'Solarenergie' (solar energy) are 'nutzen' (to use), 'gewinnen' (to obtain/generate), 'erzeugen' (to produce), and 'speichern' (to store). People also often say that they 'auf Solarenergie umstellt' (switch to solar energy).
Immer mehr Haushalte nutzen Solarenergie zur Stromerzeugung.
More and more households are using solar energy to generate electricity.
photovoltaics
'die Photovoltaik' and 'die Solarenergie' both have to do with the sun as an energy source. They are easily confused because photovoltaics is an important way of using solar energy. 'Solarenergie' is the more general term: it means energy from solar radiation. 'Photovoltaik' is more specific and means the technology in which sunlight is turned directly into electrical current. When you are talking generally about energy from the sun, 'Solarenergie' is appropriate. When it is about electricity from solar cells, 'Photovoltaik' is more precise.
Im Sommer kann Solarenergie besonders viel Strom und Wärme liefern.
In summer, solar energy can provide especially large amounts of electricity and heat.
Unser Nachbar interessiert sich für Photovoltaik, weil er eigenen Strom erzeugen möchte.
Our neighbor is interested in photovoltaics because he wants to generate his own electricity.