An alternating current (AC) solar power apparatus includes a photovoltaic cell and a circuit or device for causing a signal generated by the photovoltaic cell to oscillate in a negative differential resistance range, thereby producing an AC output voltage. The photovoltaic cell exhibits negative differential resistance in its current/voltage (IV) curve in the presence of high flux illumination, wherein when the output voltage is within a negative differential resistance range, an incremental increase in the output voltage produces an associated decrease in generated current. By connecting the terminals of the photovoltaic cell to a resonator (e.g., an inductive-capacitive circuit) or other device that produces oscillation within the negative differential resistance range, the photovoltaic cell is caused to produce AC power.