Solar energy
The energy of solar radiation is a clean, unlimited source of energy.
The increased use of solar energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, results in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions and enables a sustainable energy supply. There are various technologies for using solar energy, including photovoltaic systems, solar thermal power plants and solar panels. They are making a significant contribution to combating climate change across Europe.
Photovoltaic systems ...
are the driving force behind the expansion of renewable energies. They convert sunlight into electrical energy.
PV systems consist of a large number of solar cells, the core of which is a semiconductor usually made of silicon. When sunlight hits the solar cells, the photovoltaic effect generates electric current (direct current). An inverter converts the direct current into alternating current, which can then be fed into the power grid or used directly in buildings.
Solar thermal power plants ...
convert the direct radiation of the sun into heat. Sunlight is focused with burning mirrors and heats a liquid, which in turn drives a conventional turbine. This generates electrical power with generators. Solar thermal power plants can be used either for pure electricity generation or for cogeneration.
Solar panels ...
are devices that convert solar radiation into thermal energy. They consist of thermal collectors that absorb sunlight and transfer the heat to a liquid
(e.g. water or a heat transfer fluid)
Submit This heat can be used for water heating, space heating, cooling, water disinfection, water desalination or other processes.
Expansion and use of solar energy in Europe
The European target for renewable energy is currently 45% in 2030. By then, according to the European Commission’s solar strategy, PV capacity should have roughly tripled: to 600 GW. Many European countries have set their own national targets for solar energy use and launched initiatives; in the top ten for photovoltaic expansion are: Germany, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Greece and Sweden. EU-wide electricity generation capacity through photovoltaics was 162 gigawatts in 2021. The highest proportions of these were:
Germany
Italy
