When certain materials are subjected to sunlight they develop an electric potential that can be used to generate electricity. These photovoltaic (or PV) systems can be used for large scale centralised power generation, for decentralised grid-connected power supply and as a remote power source when there is no grid-supplied electricity available. The energy in sunlight can also be concentrated sufficiently to achieve temperatures suitable for thermal power generation. A variety of designs have been used in areas of high incident sunshine.
