Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to site search

Latest news

René Gelfert (right) lifts the lid on Solis’ C&I storage solution

Solis enters the ring with all-in-one C&I storage

-

PV on Tour – The Evercore series from Solis integrates inverter, battery and energy management in a single unit, offering 100 kW power and 120 kWh capacity. The larger version delivers up to 261 kWh, paired with a hybrid inverter rated at 50 or 60 kW.

From perimeter to power source – the new Vertical+ system

Sunbooster adds 100-metre option for fence-mounted PV

-

The new Vertical+ system from Austria-based Sunbooster allows solar modules to be installed on double-wire mesh fences over distances of up to 100 metres and connected to the grid via three-phase supply.

Parking garages are attractive assets that enhance their worth through solar facades.

Solar Investors Guide #5 – Solarised parking and charging

-

The era of petrol and diesel dominance is drawing to a close. Mobility is transitioning to electric, with millions of private electric cars, company fleets, and commercial vehicles creating new demands on the energy supply. Filling stations, parking garages, and parking lots now represent opportunities to provide EVs with solar power.

Peter Gutendorf (right) provides insights into the new solutions offered by EcoFlow.

EcoFlow – more intelligence, more yield

-

PV Guided Tours: Intelligent systems are replacing standalone components and AI now manages storage systems, wall boxes and energy flows to make the most of solar power. It’s not science fiction, it’s already here. Still sceptical? Prepare to be surprised!

Guest author Chris Bernkopf, founder of software provider Podero

Europe’s grid fix is already on our roofs

-

Europe is generating more renewable energy than ever, yet a widening gap between production and consumption is pushing imbalance costs across the entire system. The solution to this challenge may lie right above us, says Chris Bernkopf, founder of Podero.

Latest videos

More videos

PV on TourPV Guided Tours


 

markets

financing

hybrid generators

inverter

mounting

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)