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Guluma Megersa is among the leading experts in C&I storage technology

Sigenergy: clever engineering for large-scale solar

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PV Guided Tours: Sigenergy presents its system approach for energy and infrastructure projects. From 1,000-volt AC technology to intelligent energy management, the innovations lift both the efficiency and the returns of solar projects.

Martin Green (left) has spent five decades advancing solar module technology.

Solar Investors Guide – Martin Green on glass-free modules

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Professor Martin Green of the University of New South Wales is a leading figure in solar research, holding numerous patents and efficiency records dating back to 1974. Now Chief Scientific Officer at Euronergy, he is focused on developing glass-free, lightweight modules that are exceptionally thin and easy to install.

LONGi founder and CTO Li Zhenguo presents the Technology Forest in Shanghai

LONGi plants a Technology Forest of eight innovations

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The module giant's 2026 Shanghai launch stacked eight innovations spanning cells, modules, hardware and software, lifting standard module output above 690 watts, and possibly the whole sector past its ruinous price war.

A winding road ahead for the EV build-out, traffic permitting

EU EV pipeline nears €200bn as Brussels reopens 2035 debate

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New Automotive and E-Mobility Europe map close to €200bn in committed capital across vehicles, batteries and charging, with 150,000 jobs already tied to projects now under political pressure.

Symmetry as management principle: inside a CATL production workshop

CATL takes bronze in first global BESS integrator ranking

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The cell giant lands behind only Sungrow and Tesla in the analysts' first assessment of storage integrators, which weights corporate substance such as R&D, supply chains and finances above product specifications.

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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)