The utilization of renewable energy as a future energy resource is drawing significant attention worldwide. The contribution of solar energy (including concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar photovoltaic (PV) power) to global electricity production, as one form of renewable energy sources, is generally still low, at 3.6%.
A low energy demand scenario for meeting the 1.5 °C target and sustainable development goals without negative emission technologies. Nat. Energy 3, 515–527 (2018). Victoria, M. et al. Solar photovoltaics is ready to power a sustainable future. Joule vol. 5 1041–1056 (Cell Press, 2021). Nemet, G.
Consequently, in seven countries (Djibouti and Lesotho in Africa; Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan in Asia; and Paraguay in South America), about 23.3%, there is solar energy research; however, there is still no observable solar energy development in these seven regions.
Academic research plays a crucial role in shaping a country's industry. This review paper focuses on the connection between academic solar energy research and its practical real-world implications.
It examines the current state of solar power and related academic solar energy research in different countries, aiming to provide valuable guidance for researchers, designers, and policymakers interested in incorporating solar energy into their nation's electricity generation.
Twenty-three countries of the mentioned 30 countries, about 76.7%, have no reported academic solar energy research yet.