太陽光発電

• Reading: たいようこうはつでん
• Romaji: taiyoukouhatuden
• Kanji breakdown: 太 (tai) — great; 陽 (you) — sun, positive; 光 (kou) — light; 発 (hatsu) — emit, generate; 電 (den) — electricity
• Pronunciation: /tai.joː.koː.ha.tsɯ.deɴ/

Meaning

Solar power generation. The production of electricity from sunlight using photovoltaic panels.

A noun for the technology and process of generating electricity from sunlight. One of the most discussed forms of renewable energy in Japan, especially after the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011 accelerated interest in alternative energy. Common collocations include 太陽光発電パネル (taiyoukou hatsuden paneru, solar panel) and 太陽光発電システム (taiyoukou hatsuden shisutemu, solar power system).

Examples

1. 屋根に太陽光発電のパネルを設置する家庭が増えている。 More and more households are installing solar panels on their roofs.
2. 太陽光発電は環境に優しい再生可能エネルギーだ。 Solar power generation is an environmentally friendly renewable energy source.
3. この地域では太陽光発電によって電力の三割をまかなっている。 This region meets 30% of its electricity needs through solar power generation.

Usage Guide

Context: energy, environment, technology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 太陽光 (taiyoukou, sunlight) + 発電 (hatsuden, power generation). 太陽 (taiyou, sun) + 光 (kou, light) + 発 (hatsu, emit) + 電 (den, electricity). Literally 'sunlight electricity generation.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal