Solar Cell Innovations for Renewable Research Frontiers

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology stands at the forefront of the global renewable energy transition, offering a scalable, clean, and increasingly cost-competitive pathway to electricity generation. This article presents a comprehensive review of solar cell innovations within the framework of the science-energy (sci-energy) nexus, encompassing the full spectrum of photovoltaic material platforms from mature crystalline silicon to emerging perovskite, organic, and multi-junction architectures. Advanced device engineering strategies including tandem cells, heterojunction designs, light management techniques, and charge transport optimization are critically assessed. System-level considerations spanning grid-connected photovoltaics, building-integrated PV (BIPV), off-grid deployment, and hybrid renewable integration are examined alongside technical challenges relating to cost, stability, scalability, environmental impact, and end-of-life management. Emerging research frontiers and innovation pathways are identified, with emphasis on guiding future research investment and accelerating the deployment of next-generation solar technologies.