Photovoltaic technologies use semiconductors to trap the son's light and convert it to electricity. Such solar power is already being used to run all sorts of devices, from calculator to the Hubble Telescope in outer space. These accomplishments show that harnessing solar power is possible, but it remains expensive and in efficient. Scientists are still trying to find ways to make solar power a more widely used energy source. It is a big challenge, but many believe that the future of our planet depends on it.

光電技術利用半導體捕獲太陽光能，然后把太陽光能轉換成電能。這類太陽能已應用在諸如計算機和哈伯太空望遠鏡等各種裝置中。 上述各項應用成果均證明了太陽能是可以加以利用的，只是還很昂貴，而且成效還不夠明顯。科學家們至今仍在設法充分利用太陽能。雖然這是一大挑戰，但是許多人都認為地球的未來就靠太陽能了。

重點解析：

Photovoltaic adj. 光電的
semiconductor n. 半導體
This is a semiconductor integrated circuit.
這是一個半導體集成電路。
convert v. （使）轉變，轉化
The solar cell can convert the energy of sunlight into electric energy.
太陽能電池能把陽光的能量轉化為電能。
harness v. 管理，控制，利用
They will harness the sun's energy to heat homes.
他們將利用太陽能為住宅供暖。