A photovoltaic (PV) device or process is one that involves the direct conversion of light into electricity. The word "photovoltaic," first used in about 1890, is a combination of the Greek word for light and the name of the physicist and electricity pioneer Allesandro Volta. So, "photovoltaic" can be translated literally as "light-electricity." The conversion of sunlight to electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells, is based on the photoelectric effect discovered by Alexander Becquerel in 1839. The photoelectric effect describes the release of positive and negative charge carriers in a solid state when light strikes its surface.

 

Photovoltaic systems already play an important part of our lives. Simple PV systems provide power for many small consumer items, such as calculators and wristwatches. More complicated systems provide power for communications satellites, water pumps, and the lights, appliances, and machines in some people's homes and workplaces. Many road and traffic signs along highways are now powered by PV. In many cases, PV power is the least expensive form of electricity for performing these tasks.