What is photovoltaic solar energy?

Solar photovoltaic energy is the one that is obtained through photovoltaic panels.
The panels, photovoltaic modules or collectors are made of semiconductor devices such as diode, that when receiving solar radiation get excited and incite electronic jumps, generating a small potential difference in their extremes. The serial link of several of these photodiodes can be obtained at higher voltages configurations in a very simple and suitable form able to provide small electronic devices.
On a larger scale, the continuous electrical current provided by photovoltaic panels can be turned into an alternating current and injected into the electrical network, an operation which is very profitable economically but still requires subsidies for greater viability. In isolated environments, which requires little electrical power and access to the network is difficult, as weather stations or communications repeaters, the photovoltaic panels are used as economically and viable alternative.

Photovoltaic Energy Production

Nowadays Germany is the second largest producer of photovoltaic solar energy in the world, just behind Japan, with nearly 5 million square meters of solar collectors, even though it only represents 0.03% of the total energy production.  The sale of photovoltaic panels has grown about 20% in the nineties.. In the European Union, the annual growth is about 30%, and Germany has the 80% of the power installed already.  The yearly growth of  the solar photovoltaic facilities is limited because of the lack of  resources and materials in the market (solar quality sillicium).  

Photovoltaic Solar Energy Centrals

Until 2004 the  main solar energy central was in Espenhain, near Leipzig.  With 33,5500  mono-crystalline modular solar panels, and an installed capacity of  5 megavolts, the central was enough to supply with energy about 1,800 homes.  The investment raised up to 20 million euros, as told by Shell Solar and Geosol.  Nowadays  the German company  SAG Solarstrom, which operates in Spain as  TAU Solar has already built the world’s  largest solar orchard at Erlasee, Germany.  This one replaces the Espenhain central, The new central has a total 12 megavolts installed capacity.