Solar Photovoltaic Technologies for Sustainable Energy Generation: Recent Advances and Future Trends

Purpose: Solar photovoltaic technologies have emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable energy generation, driven by the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and support long-term economic development. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in solar photovoltaic technologies and evaluate their role in supporting sustainable energy systems, particularly in large-scale and commercial applications. Methodology: The study adopts a structured literature review approach, synthesizing recent research on photovoltaic materials, cell architectures, module design, and system-level innovations. A life cycle assessment perspective is incorporated to examine environmental performance indicators such as energy payback time, carbon footprint, and resource utilization, alongside analysis of system integration and energy management developments. Findings: The review shows that advancements in crystalline silicon technologies, thin-film photovoltaics, and emerging high-efficiency concepts have significantly improved conversion efficiency, reliability, and cost competitiveness. System-level innovations, including power electronics, digital monitoring, energy storage integration, and smart energy management, are enhancing the scalability and sustainability performance of solar photovoltaic systems in commercial and large-scale applications. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This article integrates technological, environmental, and system-level perspectives into a unified sustainability framework for solar photovoltaic deployment. It provides practical insights for engineers, policymakers, and real estate developers on integrating solar energy into commercial infrastructure while advancing research directions in high-efficiency materials, system scalability, and policy-supported market adoption.