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Every roof in a 100 metre radius, imported automatically and waiting for panels

PV*Sol premium gains 3D building import via Rexplorer

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A new interface enables PV*Sol premium to import LiDAR-based 3D models of German buildings automatically, pulling in every structure within a 100 metre radius of the target location.

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.

Sebastian Durben (left) is an expert in AI-supported energy management

HYXI: AI-supported energy manager for residential and C&I storage

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PV Guided Tours: HYXI is showing off its newly unveiled Muse AI-Native Energy OS, which transforms energy use from passive backup into active, learning intelligence. Highlights include the Aura all-in-one storage, the AC-coupled Halo micro-storage system and the liquid-cooled Atlas C&I unit.

Marcin Soltysiak is the CEO of Polish energy company ELQ

From nuclear legacy to renewables hub: plans advance at Chernobyl

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Polish developer ELQ and its Ukrainian subsidiary have signed a memorandum with Ukrainian authorities to advance renewable energy projects within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, covering solar, storage, wind and hydrogen.

Solar collected at altitude, logistics conducted at ground level at Lombard Shipping

UK – 118 MWh rooftop PV backs EV fleet at Lombard Shipping

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The logistics provider is combining PV, storage and EV charging at its main distribution site, targeting a 50 percent reduction in electricity costs while meeting growing operational needs.

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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)