Solar energy can be used to generate electricity (photovoltaic) or to generate heat (solar thermal). The photovoltaic solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity by exploiting the photoelectric effect given by some semiconductors such as silicon, to directly generate electricity when exposed to solar radiation. The light is composed of particles, photons, carrying energy. When a photon with sufficient energy strikes the PV cell, is absorbed by the semiconductor materials with a simultaneous release of a free electron. The greater the amount of photons (and thus the absorbed solar radiation) that hit the cell, the more electrons will be generated and therefore the greater will be the amount of current produced. The panels require very little maintenance, only periodic cleaning to prevent dirt and dust from blocking radiation reception.

The EU and Italian national policies encourage renewable energy and through a system of incentives, called Conto Energia, support the production of electricity from solar photovoltaic. These policies have resulted in a boom of PV installations in our country, with good growth forecast also for future years.

The last Conto Energia (V) provides economic incentives for plants installation, as well as the ability to sell the excess energy produced to the Electrical Grid Operator (GSE) . This Bill, enforced by a Legislative Decree on 6/7/2012, issues directives valid from 27/08/2012 to 31/12/2016 and applies to photovoltaic plants exceeding 1 kW which will come into operation until 31/12 / 2016.

The rates remain fixed for 20 years, and are effective from the plant startup date, supplying energy to the grid. Restag, with their extended know-how in photovoltaic projects, propose themselves as a reliable and competent partner for supplies or turnkey installations of photovoltaic systems, able to take care of all phases of the project and of its correct implementation and management.