Advancements in Solar Energy Technologies and Their Multifaceted Applications: A Comprehensive Review Towards Sustainable Energy Transition

Engineering notes

Engineering notes will be added by the Power for Solar editorial team.

Chinese explanation / 中文解读

中文解读待补充：本站会优先为光伏效率、钙钛矿太阳能电池、储能技术、太阳能热利用、BIPV、并网技术等高价值论文补充中文说明。

Original abstract

Solar energy stands as one of the most promising renewable energy sources, offering a clean, abundant, and increasingly cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. This review paper explores the fundamental principles, technological advancements, and diverse applications of solar energy systems, including photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies. It examines global deployment trends, efficiency improvements, integration challenges, and sector-specific applications in electricity generation, heating, agriculture, transportation, desalination, and space exploration. Drawing on recent data (up to 2025-2026), the paper highlights how solar capacity has surged, with global PV installations exceeding 2 TW and record additions in 2025. Key barriers such as intermittency, land use, and grid integration are discussed alongside solutions like energy storage and hybrid systems. The review underscores solar energy's pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals, projecting continued growth and innovation. Keywords: Solar energy, Photovoltaic (PV), Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Renewable applications, Energy storage, Sustainable development, Agrivoltaics, Desalination.

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