This paper deals with research and development (R&D) activities in the area of photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy within collaboration between the Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava and University of Florence. Activities covered include the development of all-implanted monocrystalline silicon cells with screen-printed contacts, PV modules technology for the manufacture of large-area components for power roofs, building and acoustic barriers applications, power conditioning For PV supply units for railway applications, and technological solutions for the realization of PV arrays operating at direct-current voltages in excess of 500 V. Other activities have been related to CdTe thin films for solar cells. Educational activities in the held of photovoltaic engineering for an undergraduate course are briefly outlined as well.