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

Latest news

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

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

-

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.

The hardware behind the headline figures

CATL's sodium-ion tech promises a longer life and wider range

-

According to the world's largest battery maker, the system reaches up to 15,000 cycles at 25 degrees Celsius, and offers higher overcharge tolerance than comparable lithium-ion technology.

Commercial storage opens new trading options while reducing electricity costs

Solar Investors Guide #7 – Commercial storage systems

-

Energy costs shape competitiveness in both global and local markets. As fossil and nuclear prices continue to rise, solar and wind are no longer marginal technologies but increasingly represent the smart money in power generation.

Thomas Yuan is the chairman of AlphaESS

AlphaESS: storage platform for C&I and utility

-

CEO Talk: What does the future of energy storage in Europe look like? Safer, smarter and more connected – from commercial rooftops to utility-scale projects. AlphaESS shows how a single open system can link all of these applications together. Find out more about the strategy behind it.

New mounting technology is opening up even more areas for solar power

Solar Investors Guide – Innovations for mounting

-

Energy crises and rising fossil and nuclear prices are making solar and battery storage more attractive than ever, driving demand across industrial rooftops, open land and car parks – find out more in the latest guide.

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)