An advanced type of photovoltaic cell that uses a dye-impregnated layer of titanium dioxcide: The dye-sensitized solar cells generate a voltage, rather than the semiconducting materials used in most solar cells.

Made of semi-conducting materials that can directly convert sunlight to electricity without any harmful waste products: Solar collectors, consisting of photovoltaic solar cells, are made more efficient by using arrays of mirrors to concentrate the sun's ray onto photovoltaic panels.

According to the Department of Energy, homes incorporating solar heating designs can save as much as 50 percent on heating bills.

The negative aspects of solar energy is that it depends heavily on a range of factors including location, time of year, and the weather.

An extensive list of related words and definitions may be seen at this photovoltaic terms page.