Abstract - Photovoltaic energy, between necessity and reality. Case study: Romania. In the context of the increasing of world energy consumption and given the concerns about the diminishing of conventional energy sources and climate change, renewable energy sources are the main alternative. Among these, solar energy has great potential. Energy policies in this area have determined a growth in the global production of photovoltaic of about 50% in the last decade, reaching 100 TWh in 2012. In Romania, in 2013, the PV was the most active of the renewable energies. Photovoltaic power installed capacity has made a significant leap in the second half of 2013, being twenty three times higher than the end of 2012. This trend is encouraging, however, it has been largely dependent on government policy support. In addition, in 2011, of the total electricity produced by renewable energy sources, photovoltaic energy was only 1.3%. At least in the short to medium term, the future of solar energy is uncertain, social pressures and changing/reducing support schemes will significantly affect this area.

Key words: photovoltaic energy, global development, reality, effects, Romania