Next-Generation Solar Energy: Emerging Materials, Thermal Systems, and Photovoltaic Advancements
A. VERMA, A. DHASMANA, S. KUMAR, J. GAIROLA, UMANG, SHWETA, N. SHAMEEN
Abstract: The demand for energy in the world is increasing and the input for the necessity of more sustainable substitutes for fossil source energy has created an ’emphasis’ on solar energy technologies. Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are along with these technologies ‘in the shadows’, or ‘in the background’ to a good extent. Nevertheless, they are not without problems that always hamper them as a technology that has matured. Performance issues, manufacturing costs, material degradation, and non-uniform energy generation have hindered utility on a large-scale, or made sustainability of a low-risk of expect future investments in them, or development of more moder technologies. Moreover, solar thermal system advancements require energy storage to deliver uninterrupted power. This paper evaluates new materials, thermal energy technologies, and evolving photovoltaic technologies, that comprise the future of solar energy systems. Innovative alternatives such as perovskite solar cells, tandem solar structures, and organic photovoltaics will be examined to determine their potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs. We will investigate solar thermal systems and phase-change energy storage to determine their contribution to energy retention and grid stability. Major issues associated with material stability, energy conversion efficiency, and material viability for large-scale deployment are indicated as potential opportunities related to nanomaterials, transparent conductive oxides, and hybrid solar energy approaches. Following an elaborate examination of recent trends, this work aims to provide an all-inclusive overview of the technological innovations that are shaping the future of solar energy toward an efficient and sustainable global energy system.
Keywords
Solar Energy Technologies, Photovoltaic Advancements, Perovskite Solar Cells, Thermal Energy Storage, Nanomaterials in Solar Energy
Published online 5/10/2026, 12 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: A. VERMA, A. DHASMANA, S. KUMAR, J. GAIROLA, UMANG, SHWETA, N. SHAMEEN, Next-Generation Solar Energy: Emerging Materials, Thermal Systems, and Photovoltaic Advancements, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 66, pp 155-166, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904152-14
The article was published as article 14 of the book Advanced Materials and Sustainable Energy Technologies
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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