Photovoltaic (PV) technology relates to the use of solar cells that convert solar energy directly into electricity. Typically, solar cells operate by using sunlight falling on a semi-conductor to produce an electric current. From their early application in satellites and space vehicles, solar photovoltaics are now used in a wide range of applications, from telecommunications and remote area power generation, to grid-connected building integrated systems in major cities. Worldwide, manufacturers of PV cells are seeking to move the technology into mainstream applications such as domestic rooftop systems by increasing the efficiency and reducing the cost.

Innovative applications of solar photovoltaic technology being developed in Australia include the use of concentrating systems to focus the solar energy on to a smaller area of higher efficiency cells and the use of building integrated photovoltaics, where the PV cells perform architectural or structural functions as well as power generation, thereby offsetting some of the cost.