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Aymeri R. Barrailh (right) from APsystems discusses power electronics and storage for small applications.

APsystems – three-phase microinverter for eight modules

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PV Guided Tours: APsystems presents a three-phase micro inverter for up to eight modules, a hybrid inverter for balcony systems and new storage solutions for private and commercial contexts. Sales Manager Aymeri R. Barrailh explains how their solutions stand out.

Martin Bayer from Lumenhaus explains the power of AI in solar storage control.

Lumenhaus – home storage with AI energy management

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PV Guided Tours: Lumenhaus aims to transform the solar market with its direct-to-customer approach and the SunSaver system – an all-in-one solution integrating PV, EV charging, heat pumps and AI-based energy management to optimise and simplify energy use in private households.

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

Solar Investors Guide #5 – Solarised parking and charging

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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.

Nancy Yell explains why less weight means more possibilities

Sunman Energy – lightweight modules deliver up to 520 watts

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PV on Tour – Sunman Energy presents its ultra-lightweight, semi-flexible solar modules, designed for lightweight roofs and balcony PV systems, and achieving up to 520 watts. Managing Director Nancy Yell lays out the advantages of the technology.

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.

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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)