photo-, phot-, -photic

A solid-state device that converts light directly into electricity, with voltage-current characteristics that are a function of th characteristics that are a function of the characteristics of the light source and the design and materials of the device.

These devices are made of various semiconductor materials including silicon, cadmium sulfide, cadmium telluride, and gallium arsenide, in single crystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous forms.

The phenomenon that occurs when photons (the "particles" in a beam of light) strike electrons and free them from their bound position.

When this property of light is combined with the properties of semiconductors, electrons flow in one direction across a junction, setting up a voltage.

With the addition of circuitry, current flows and electric power is available.

The ratio of the electric power produced by a photovoltaic device to the power of the sunlight incident on the device.

Energy emanating from the sun as electromagnetic radiation that is converted into electricity by means of solar (photovoltaic) cells or concentrating (focusing) collectors.

The total of all interconnected strings of a photovoltaic power supply system.

A photovoltaic system combined with some other complementary energy system; such as, wind turbines or diesel generators.

A panel assembled from a number of individual photovoltaic cells electrically interconnected in a series and parallel so as to provide a specific useful voltage and current.

1. A physically connected collection of modules.
2. A panel assembled from a number of individual photovoltaic cells electrically interconnected in a series and parallel.

A complete set of components for converting solar energy into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, including the array and balance of system constituents.

The technology or activity of employing solar radiation as a direct energy source for electrical power.

Describing a photovoltaic system that, in addition to converting sunlight into electricity, collects the residual heat energy and delivers both heat and electricity in usable form.

A click on the image will take you to the series of illustrated quizzes which will appear in random order or you may click on this image quiz link.

Verging on what some consider to be a "new science": photovore, photovorous.

Feeding on or “ingesting” light as a source of energy; especially, applicable to light-seeking robots.

Light-craving or photovorous robots

The words photovore, photovory, photovorous refer to feeding on or “ingesting” light as a source of energy. Especially applicable to light-seeking robots.

The robot shown above does not represent the kinds of robots built by Mark Tilden and his robot designers from high schools and up into various adult levels of inventors.

Light-craving robots are based on what is called BEAM principles (biology, electronics, aesthetics, and mechanics).

BEAM is a style of robotics that primarily uses simple analog circuits, instead of a microprocessor. Unlike many other types of robots controlled by microcontrollers, BEAM robots are built on the principle of using multiple simple behaviors linked directly to sensor systems with little signal conditioning.

For the future, Tilden ponders an "ecology" of robots fulfilling their biological, electronic, artistic, and mechanical mandates in concert.

A process of employing photography in the preparation of wood blocks for printing.

The excretion of urine having a luminous appearance.