SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY, WHAT’S NEXT?

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has rapidly evolved into one of the most transformative pillars of the global energy transition. Continuous efficiency improvements, coupled with dramatic reductions in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), have positioned PV as the most competitive renewable energy source worldwide. Yet, as crystalline silicon technology approaches its efficiency saturation and accounts for over 90% of the market, the question of “what’s next?” becomes increasingly critical. This short communication highlights the emerging frontiers that will shape the next phase of PV development. At the device level, perovskite/silicon tandems, thin films, and other novel absorbers are pushing performance beyond the limitations of single-junction devices, although stability, toxicity, and scalability remain significant barriers. From a sustainability perspective, the projected accumulation of more than 60 million tonnes of PV waste by 2050 underscores the urgent need for circular economy strategies, including eco-design, recycling innovations, and second-life applications. At the system level, integrating PV with storage, hydrogen, and smart grids is essential to overcome intermittency, while digitalization through artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital twins is redefining PV operation and maintenance. The synthesis of these trajectories indicates that the future of PV extends beyond efficiency improvements to encompass holistic integration, environmental responsibility, and socio-economic inclusivity. PV is no longer merely a technology of cost competitiveness but a strategic enabler of resilient, circular, and net-zero energy systems.