TPPV Factsheets zu aktuellen Themen der Photovoltaik
The energy transition, which involves a rapid and efficient transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, can be realized through photovoltaics, among other things. However, in order to achieve this goal, not only must conventional photovoltaic systems be realized, but various innovative concepts must also be developed and implemented. Our aim is to drive these concepts forward and implement them with high quality and European added value. The factsheets we have compiled in cooperation with various research institutions, associations and companies summarize the current topics in photovoltaics briefly and concisely. By making the factsheets freely accessible, we aim to provide information, stimulate discussion and promote further development.
Please send requests for information from the factsheets to info@tppv.at (subject: Factsheet). Further factsheets will be published on an ongoing basis. The current factsheets deal with the following topics:
- Flexible grid access for photovoltaic systems: Case study Australia
- Agri-PV: Synergies between renewable energy and agriculture
- 12 questions about PFAS and photovoltaics
- Color in photovoltaics: How can photovoltaics be colored?
- PV roof garden
- Grid integration of PV and storage systems
- Multifunctional ground-mounted photovoltaic systems (PV-FFA)
- Photovoltaic expansion enables green hydrogen
- Photovoltaics on noise protection - how can it work?
- Floating PV - Floating photovoltaic arrays
Our factsheets are used for the exchange of information and are cost-freely available.
Flexible grid access for photovoltaic systems using the Australian model as a case study
When connecting photovoltaic systems (PV systems) to the electricity grid, the nominal output is often used as a reference value, although this is rarely achieved. If only a reduced grid connection permit is issued, this means that valuable kilowatt hours cannot be fed into the grid, which is particularly problematic in winter or at off-peak times. These restrictions mean that PV systems are often smaller in size or not installed at all. In order to be able to feed energy into the grid, PV systems must increase the grid voltage locally. With a high power supply and low consumption, this can lead to a critical voltage increase that exceeds normative limits. Other grid loads, such as excessive currents, must also be taken into account.
A solution to this problem has been in practice in Australia since July 2023. The "flexible PV export model" provides owners of photovoltaic systems with a dynamic feed-in capacity. If sufficient grid capacity is available, full feed-in is possible. If there is a bottleneck in the grid, for example due to high voltage or high current, the permissible feed-in power is reduced at short notice.
How exactly does this model work? The answer to this and much more is presented in the following factsheet:
↓Download unter: Factsheet flexibler Netzzugang nach dem Australischen Modell
English Version: Factsheet on Flexible Grid Access According to the Australian Model
Agri-PV: Synergies between renewable energy and agriculture
Agri-PV (agri-photovoltaics) is a technology in which solar modules are installed on agricultural land in order to generate renewable electricity as well as to operate agriculture. The technical and conceptual characteristics of agrivoltaics are already diverse today and are constantly being further differentiated and optimized through innovations. In contrast to conventional conventional ground-mounted PV systems, agri-PV includes both
the cultivation of crops and livestock farming on the same area. This factsheet highlights the potential of agri-PV. The factsheet provides a clear presentation of the synergies and multiple benefits of agri-PV as well as a summary of the technical features and advantages and disadvantages. You can find further information on the diverse possibilities of agri-PV in the links provided.
↓Download unter: Factsheet_Agri PV_
English Version: Factsheet_agrovoltaics
12 questions about PFAS and photovoltaics
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. They are man-made industrial chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. As a large family of chemicals, PFAS comprise over 10,000 substances that are used in the manufacture of a wide range of products due to their special properties. Among other things, they are water-, grease- and dirt-repellent, but also particularly resistant and non-flammable. Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyls are the starting point for fluoropolymers, the most important of which include PVF, PVDF, PTFE, PCTFE, PFA and ETFE, which are also used for coatings/layers in polymer front and backsheets of PV modules. PFAS are also used in the manufacturing process of semiconductors (e.g. for cleaning the surfaces) and in the insulation (coating/encapsulation) of electronic components (e.g. inverters). In addition, PFAS are also used in polysilicon production and electricity storage systems.
↓Download unter: Factsheet 12 Fragen zu PFAS und PV_TPPV_PV AUSTRIA
English Version: Factsheet_12 questions about PFAS and Photovoltaics
Color in photovoltaics: How can photovoltaics be colored?
The demand for photovoltaics (PV) has increased enormously in densely built-up city and town centers, where historic buildings meet the design requirements of modern architecture. In this area of conflict, the color design of PV modules is becoming increasingly important. Innovative solutions bring color into the world of PV modules to enable integration into different architectural environments. The factsheet takes a brief, concise look at how color gets into PV and the challenges that arise.

Bild ©ColorQuant/Lenzing Platics
↓Download unter: Factsheet_Wie kann PV farblich gestaltet werden_
English Version: Factsheet_Coloured PV_English
PV roof garden
Due to the growing importance of renewable energy generation on buildings, building-integrated photovoltaics are increasingly playing a key role. Producing renewable energy, compensating for increasing land sealing, improving the microclimate, reducing CO2, storing rainwater and extending the service life of the roof cladding - a combined system on the roof can do all this. The PV roof garden enables architectural design diversity on previously unused flat roofs and makes it possible to beautify inhospitable roof landscapes in urban areas. In addition, the PV roof garden combines local measures for the use of renewable energies with the simultaneous creation of green areas. ...
↓Download unter: Factsheet BIPV_PV_Dachgarten
Photovoltaic grid integration and storage
Renewable energies will make a significant contribution to the success of the energy transition - the expansion target is clear: by 2030, there will be seven times more PV in the electricity grid than there is today. The expansion of renewables is often viewed critically in terms of integration into the electricity grid. Keywords such as decentralization, variability and bidirectional power flow are usually followed by the assumed need to expand the grid. Photovoltaic systems already offer extensive opportunities to support the transformation to a smart grid, even without expanding the electricity grids. ...

Bild ©Österreichs Energie/Christian Fischer
↓Download unter: Factsheet Netzintegration_Photovoltaik und Speicher
English Version: Factsheet Grid integration and photovoltaics
Multifunctional ground-mounted photovoltaic systems (PV-FFA)
According to the Renewable Energy Sources Expansion Act (EAG), an expansion of 11 TWh is planned by 2030, which means that around 11 GWp of solar energy capacity must be added. Of this, around 5 to 6 GWp will be required for ground-mounted systems, as it can be assumed that PV systems cannot be sufficiently implemented on existing infrastructure (PV roof systems, etc.). PV systems on open spaces with an area of around 70 to 80 km² will therefore have to be built in the coming years. PV-FFA can be erected with a degree of sealing of only a few percent. Moreover, they can improve the ecological quality of an area and thus provide a double benefit for people and the environment in addition to electricity production. ...

Bild ©Thomas Kohler
↓Download unter: Factsheet Multifunktionale Freiflächen Photovoltaik
English Version: Factsheet_Multifuncional Groundmounted Photovolaics
Photovoltaic expansion enables green hydrogen
Green hydrogen offers a wide range of potential uses and will therefore play a key role in the energy transition. Photovoltaics (PV) and hydrogen (H2) complement each other synergistically: PV can provide the necessary energy for the production of hydrogen at low cost, while the storage of hydrogen compensates for the volatility of electricity production by PV. In this way, the necessary balance between electricity production by renewable energy producers and short, medium and long-term storage for continuous supply to consumers can be achieved. ...
↓Download unter: Factsheet Photovoltaics and production of green hydrogen
English Version: Factsheet Photovoltaikausbau ermöglicht grünen Wasserstoff
Photovoltaics on noise protection - how can it work?
Intelligent photovoltaic solutions are those that create added value in addition to the ecological generation of electricity. More than 2,250 km of noise barriers (LSW) have already been erected in Austria in the area of highways, expressways, provincial roads and rail infrastructure, which have significant potential for generating electricity from renewable energy sources using photovoltaics. This potential has hardly been exploited to date. The possibilities for integrating photovoltaics (PV) into noise barriers, e.g. on roads or railroad lines, are manifold, but the primary function of noise protection must not be impaired. ...

©R. Kohlhauer GmbH
↓Download unter: Factsheet PV und Lärmschutz.pdf
Floating PV
Most photovoltaic systems are installed as grid-connected generation systems or for self-consumption in places where the weather is favorable for many hours of sunshine per year, and primarily on the ground or on roofs. Inland waters such as reservoirs and ultimately the sea remain unused. Here, floating photovoltaic systems (= floating PV) offer new opportunities. The conversion of the energy supply and the expansion of photovoltaics leads to the evaluation of land potential. In addition to agriculture (agri-PV), the use of roofs, facades and traffic areas, lakes and coastal regions offer additional opportunities for land management with photovoltaics. ...

© Photo by Welser Profile GmbH
↓Download unter:Factsheet Floating PV
English Version: Factsheet Floating PV English