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Live Stream

The smarter E Europe: pv Guided Tours and CEO talks with industry leaders - LIVE from Munich
 
On 23 and 24 June 2026, the teams from photovoltaik and pv Europe will be reporting live from the exhibition halls in Munich. At The smarter E Europe, we'll be showcasing the most important innovations and highlighting the key trends for 2026. Our live streams in German and English kick off at 13:00 CEST.
 
Tip: Set a reminder on YouTube and tune in live!

Latest news

Combining vertical systems and conventional solar parks provides clear economic benefits

Vertical PV and existing solar parks: a case for overbuilding

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Next2Sun argues that combining south-facing and vertical installations can expand connected capacity by around 60 percent while cutting infrastructure costs and improving market returns.

This warehouse in Venlo is a major hub for solar components

Solar Investors Guide #12 – Supply chains embrace green operations

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Podcast: Specialist retailer BayWa r.e. Solar Trade is setting new standards for emissions-free logistics.Suppliers, transport, buildings, and packaging are all being examined, and notable progress has already been made. Dominik Dohr, Vice President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain at BayWa r.e. Solar Trade, has a clear vision in which renewable energy and sustainability go hand in hand. As Europe’s largest solar retailer, the company aims to cut emissions across all areas, from internal processes to logistics and supply chains.

Stephan Schindele (right) and Karsten Schäfer discuss the emerging opportunities for PV in Europe.

Solar Investors Guide #11 – Agri-PV reimagines farmland for the future

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Podcast: Elevated solar modules and solar fences are helping farmers generate clean solar power on their pastures and arable land. Stephan Schindele, head of the agri-PV division at BayWa r.e., explains how agricultural transformation and the energy transition are interconnected, offering clear benefits for both farmers and investors. Several countries across Europe are already leading the way with large-scale agri-PV projects.

Munich, day one: the people who intend to make it happen

Intersolar 2026: public and science say “yes” – politics are another matter

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A new Fraunhofer ISE study launched at The smarter E Europe finds Germany's energy transition technically and economically sound, as storage boom data reveals the gap between potential and delivery.

Winners of the tenth Energy Transition Award at The smarter E Europe in Munich, 25 June 2026

The smarter E – Energy Transition Award reaches ten countries in its tenth year

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Marking a decade since its launch, the EUPD Research and smarter E Europe initiative recognised suppliers across the DACH region and four new markets at a ceremony in Munich on 25 June.

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What is photovoltaics?

Photovoltaics (PV) refers to the generation of electrical energy from sunlight. At the heart of this process are the solar-active semiconductors known as solar cells, which capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity.

From a technical standpoint, a PV system or solar installation functions as a generator. Here, individual solar cells are combined into a solar module, which is protected from the elements. These modules are then assembled into a larger solar generator, which can be mounted on rooftopsfaçadesopen ground or specially designed structures. The electricity generated is direct current (DC), which is converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter. This AC power can be used directly on site or fed into the public grid via the building’s connection. The electricity is typically supplied to the local utility or grid operator.

Larger PV systems installed on open land are often called solar parks. These feed power into the grid via dedicated transformers and switchgear. In many countries special Acts and regulations govern remuneration for solar power, whether via feed-in tariffs or market premiums for direct sales to third parties.

Self-consumption can be increased by using solar power for heating waterroom heating, air conditioning or refrigeration. Battery storage systems help by storing surplus solar electricity for later use. These so-called solar batteries improve system reliability, especially when solar output dips.

Not all incoming sunlight is converted into electricity. The conversion rate depends on the intensity and wavelength of the incoming light spectrum. This ratio between usable electrical output and the maximum available solar radiation is known as efficiency.

The performance of a solar generator or storage system is defined by its output. When multiplied by the number of sunshine hours, this gives the solar yield – the amount of electricity generated per day, month or year. In addition to charging and discharging power, solar batteries are also rated by their capacity, or the amount of energy they can store. Power is measured in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW), while energy and yield are expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or megawatt-hours (MWh). (HS)