Turning sunlight into electricity

The principle behind photovoltaics is simple: solar cells convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. Photovoltaic technology has many advantages. It requires minimal maintenance and is simple to use; it does not produce noise or other forms of pollution; and it is highly versatile because it is equally suited to both on-grid and off-grid generation.

Photovoltaic systems deliver proven benefits in certain niche areas, such as space travel and, on a more "down-to-earth" level, telecommunications - particularly in remote areas that have no access to public power grids. Here, this technology is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to other technologies. However, Photovoltaics is the subject of intensive R&D efforts aimed at also making it cost-effective for general use.

E.ON Energie is actively involved in a number of photovoltaic projects. In this we are well ahead of all the other power utilities in Germany, and currently operate or finance some 1,400 photovoltaic plants with a combined installed capacity of over 3,500 kW.