Utilization of Solar Panels in Various Applications: A Systematic Literature Review ^†

Abstract

The utilization of renewable energy, particularly solar panels, has rapidly developed as a solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions. This study examines the application of solar panels across various sectors, including transportation, residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural, using a systematic literature review (SLR) approach. The results indicate that solar panels provide significant benefits in supporting energy sustainability, such as high efficiency in electric vehicles, carbon emission reduction in the transportation sector, and energy cost savings in commercial buildings. In the agricultural sector, solar panels are used for irrigation and crop storage. Additionally, technological advancements such as bifacial panels and integration with energy storage systems enhance efficiency and application flexibility. However, challenges such as high initial costs, location limitations, and technological efficiency remain major barriers. Through an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of three types of solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film), this study provides strategic guidance for selecting the most suitable technology for specific needs. The study concludes that the adoption of solar panels can be accelerated through technological innovation, cost reduction, and government policy support. With optimal utilization, solar panels have significant potential to drive the transition toward sustainable energy in the future.

1. Introduction

Meeting global energy needs has faced significant challenges, particularly concerning dependence on non-renewable natural resources such as coal and oil [1]. The environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption, including greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, has driven the search for more sustainable solutions. One key alternative gaining widespread attention is the use of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, which is considered efficient and environmentally friendly.

Solar energy has immense potential, as the sun is an abundant energy source available in nearly every part of the world [2]. Solar panels, the primary technology for harnessing solar energy, have advanced rapidly over the past few decades. This technology has been implemented across various sectors, including residential, commercial, agricultural, transportation, and industrial, as an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact.

The importance of renewable energy is increasingly recognized alongside the need to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development. Solar energy, as one of the most widely used renewable energy sources [3], offers significant benefits in reducing carbon emissions and providing cleaner energy. Solar panels not only lower long-term energy costs for users but also contribute to environmental conservation and enhance global energy resilience.

However, despite the many advantages of solar panels, several challenges need to be addressed in their utilization. These challenges include high initial installation costs, space and location limitations, and energy storage issues [4]. Therefore, the development of more efficient technologies, cost reductions, and government policy support are essential to accelerate the adoption of solar panels in various sectors.

The aim of this research is to identify the main challenges in the utilization of solar panels, including the technical and economic obstacles faced during their implementation. This study also seeks to uncover novelty, namely innovations or new approaches that can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of solar panel technology. Furthermore, it aims to address the existing research gap, specifically the lack of comprehensive studies on how solar panel technology can be optimized to support a cleaner and more sustainable energy transition across various sectors. By employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, this research is expected to provide significant contributions to the development of renewable energy technologies and assist in creating a more environmentally friendly future.

The urgency of this research lies in the pressing need to mitigate the impacts of climate change through a cleaner energy transition. With the increasing global energy demand and the challenges faced by conventional technologies, this study aims to provide practical and strategic solutions for solar panel utilization. The contributions of this research include providing more effective policy recommendations, developing technological innovations to enhance solar energy efficiency, and formulating a framework that can be implemented across various sectors. Consequently, this research is expected to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and deliver positive impacts on society, the environment, and the economy as a whole.

2. Materials and Methods

This study used the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach [5], employing a framework comprising three main stages: identification, screening, and inclusion. This review aims to evaluate the utilization of solar panels across various sectors, such as residential, commercial, agricultural, transportation, and industrial [6]. The literature analyzed was exclusively sourced from the Scopus database, one of the most reliable sources for high-quality academic articles. The search was conducted using specific keywords such as solar panel, renewable energy, and solar technology, with restrictions on articles published within the last 10 years, written in English, and peer-reviewed to ensure relevance and validity.

The first stage is identification (see Figure 1), where literature searches are conducted using a combination of keywords such as solar panel, renewable energy, and solar technology. All articles generated from the initial search are recorded and collected for the next stage. The second stage is screening, where articles are filtered based on publication year restrictions, relevance, and open-access availability. Articles that pass this stage are then further evaluated by reading the full text to ensure their relevance to the research objectives. The third stage is included, the final stage where articles meeting the criteria are included in the analysis.

The data obtained from the selected literature were analyzed thematically, focusing on technological trends, benefits, challenges, and applications of solar panels in various sectors. This process aims to create a comprehensive overview of the contribution of solar panels in supporting the transition to sustainable energy. With this structured approach, the study is expected to provide comprehensive insights and strategic recommendations to promote the adoption of solar panels in supporting sustainable development.

Research Questions

To focus the review and analysis, the following three research questions were formulated:

• How does the use of solar panels in the transportation sector impact carbon emissions reduction and dependence on fossil fuels?
  The use of solar panels in the transportation sector significantly contributes to reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuel [7]. Solar panels generate electricity without burning fossil fuels, minimizing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles recharged using energy from solar panels provide an environmentally friendly solution compared to fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Furthermore, utilizing solar panels as a renewable energy source reduces the need for fuel imports and enhances energy independence. For instance, solar panels have been used on cars, trains, and electric charging stations to support sustainable transportation. Although challenges such as technological efficiency and initial investment costs remain, innovations continue to drive improvements in solar panel performance. With proper implementation, solar-powered transportation becomes a strategic step in mitigating climate change and decarbonizing the transportation sector.
• How has solar panel technology developed in various sectors (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and transportation) over the past decade?
  Over the past decade, solar panel technology has rapidly advanced across various sectors, from residential to transportation. In the residential sector, integrating energy storage systems using lithium-ion batteries allows households to store energy for use at night or during cloudy weather [8], improving energy resilience and cost efficiency. Additionally, the adoption of bifacial solar panels, which can capture light from both sides, has increased energy efficiency by 10–30% compared to traditional panels. In the commercial sector, office buildings increasingly adopt solar panels to support sustainability initiatives and reduce operational costs [9], either through on-grid systems connected to public power grids or off-grid systems with energy storage for greater resilience. At the industrial sector, large production facilities such as Tesla Gigafactory and companies like Tata Steel use solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs [10]. especially in powering irrigation pumps in remote areas and sustainable agricultural technologies such as solar-powered cold storage, which minimizes post-harvest waste [11]. In the transportation sector, solar-powered electric vehicles are being developed, utilizing solar energy to extend vehicle range. Furthermore, solar-based charging stations have been implemented in several countries [12], to provide clean energy for electric vehicles. These developments demonstrate the significant potential of solar panels in supporting the transition to environmentally friendly energy across sectors.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels?
  Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Monocrystalline panels are known for their highest efficiency, around 18–22%, due to being made from highly pure single-crystal silicon [13], making them suitable for areas with limited space, although they are relatively more expensive. On the other hand, polycrystalline panels, made from fragments of silicon melted together, have lower efficiency, around 17% but are more affordable and environmentally friendly in their production compared to monocrystalline [14]. Meanwhile, thin-film panels, made from thin layers of photovoltaic materials like cadmium telluride or amorphous silicon, offer flexibility and lightweight properties, making them ideal for portable applications or rooftops that cannot support heavy loads [15]. However, thin-film panels have lower efficiency, only about 10–12%, and require larger areas to generate the same power output as other types. Additionally, thin-film panels generally have a shorter lifespan compared to monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. By considering specific needs and conditions, selecting the appropriate type of solar panel can maximize efficiency and cost benefits.

3. Results

3.1. How Does the Use of Solar Panels in the Transportation Sector Impact Carbon Emissions Reduction and Dependence on Fossil Fuels?

The use of solar panels in the transportation sector has a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Below is a more in-depth analysis:

3.1.1. Reduction of Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions from Conventional Vehicles (see Figure 2): Fossil fuel-powered vehicles (e.g., gasoline or diesel-powered cars) are among the largest contributors to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the transportation sector accounted for approximately 23% of total global CO₂ emissions in 2020, with the majority of these emissions originating from land-based fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Solar-Powered Vehicles: Solar-based electric vehicles, such as cars and buses equipped with solar panels, can significantly reduce carbon emissions [16]. These vehicles utilize solar panels to charge batteries, which are then used to power electric motors. Since electric motors produce no emissions during operation, the use of these vehicles directly decreases carbon emissions.

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Solar-powered vehicles can avoid up to 1.5 tons of CO₂ emissions per year compared to conventional vehicles [17].

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Moreover, solar-powered charging stations that support solar-based electric vehicles reduce reliance on electricity grids, which are often still dependent on fossil fuel energy sources. This further lowers the transportation sector’s carbon footprint.

3.1.2. Dependence on Fossil Fuels

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Dependence on Fossil Fuels: A significant portion of the global transportation sector still relies on fossil fuels (gasoline and diesel) to power vehicles.

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Solar Vehicles and Reduced Dependence: By using solar energy as the primary power source for vehicles, dependence on fossil fuels can be minimized. In solar-based electric vehicles, solar panels installed on the vehicle’s roof charge the battery directly, whether the vehicle is parked or in motion. This reduces the need for fossil fuels to generate electricity for charging electric vehicles.

3.2. How Has Solar Panel Technology Developed Across Various Sectors (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, and Transportation) over the Past Decade?

The development of solar panel technology over the past decade has seen significant progress across various sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and transportation. Below is an in-depth explanation of advancements in each sector:

3.2.1. Residential Sector

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The adoption of photovoltaic systems offers significant cost-saving potential for households. Annual savings range from USD 29.72 to USD 293.27 (10–100% of energy needs), demonstrating the economic benefits achievable, particularly for strata 2 and 3 consumers in Bogotá, Colombia [18].

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Energy Storage Integration: Many households now complement solar panel systems with energy storage using lithium-ion batteries, such as Tesla Powerwall. These systems allow homes to store energy generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy weather, enhancing energy resilience and cost efficiency.

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Bifacial Solar Panels: Bifacial solar panels, capable of capturing sunlight from both sides (front and back), have become increasingly popular in residential installations. These panels can produce 10–30% more energy than traditional monofacial solar panels [19].

3.2.2. Commercial Sector

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Adoption in Office Buildings: Over the past decade, commercial buildings, particularly office towers, have increasingly adopted solar panels as part of sustainability initiatives and energy cost-saving measures.

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On-Grid and Off-Grid Systems: Many commercial buildings now choose on-grid systems that connect solar panels to the public electricity grid [20]. This allows companies to send excess energy back to the grid and receive financial incentives. Meanwhile, buildings in remote areas or those requiring high energy resilience are adopting off-grid systems equipped with energy storage.

3.2.3. Industrial Sector

Utilization in Manufacturing Facilities: Large industries are transitioning to solar energy to reduce electricity costs and their carbon footprint. For example, Tesla uses solar panels at its factories, particularly at the Gigafactory, to meet a significant portion of its energy needs. In India, companies like Tata Steel and Adani Group have implemented solar energy systems in their production facilities.

3.2.4. Agricultural Sector

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Solar-Powered Irrigation: Solar technology has been widely used to power water pumps in irrigation systems, particularly in remote areas or regions without access to electricity grids. In India, more than 300,000 solar-powered pumps have been installed for agricultural irrigation, reducing dependence on expensive diesel fuel and air pollution [21].

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Sustainable Farming Applications: Solar panels support sustainable farming by providing renewable energy for agricultural processing, such as grain drying and milk processing. Flexible solar technologies, like solar-powered cold storage, help preserve the freshness of produce and reduce post-harvest losses in rural areas.

3.2.5. Transportation Sector

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Solar-Powered Electric Vehicles: Solar-powered electric vehicles have rapidly advanced over the past decade. Companies like Lightyear One and Sono Motors have launched electric cars equipped with solar panels to extend their driving range by utilizing solar energy directly. For instance, Lightyear One can add up to 12 km of range per day under sunny conditions.

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Solar Charging Stations: In countries like Japan and Australia, solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles have been introduced. These stations are equipped with solar panels to generate clean energy for charging electric vehicles.

3.3. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film Solar Panels? (See

Table 1. Characteristics of PV materials.

Characteristic	Monocrystalline	Polycrystalline	Thin-Film
Efficiency	18–22%	15–17%	10–12%
Production Cost	Expensive	Cheaper	Cheapest
Performance in Low Light	Excellent	Good	Good
Performance in High Temperatures	Good	Tends to worsen	Excellent
Space Requirement	Requires smaller space	Requires more space	Requires extensive space

)

3.3.1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal of silicon and offer the highest efficiency among the types.

• Advantages:

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  High Efficiency: Monocrystalline panels provide the highest energy efficiency, with a conversion rate of around 18% to 22%, depending on the quality and model. This means more energy can be generated from a smaller space.

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  Performance in Low Light: These panels perform better in low-light or cloudy conditions due to the efficient electron conduction of their single crystal.

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  Durable and Long-lasting: Monocrystalline panels have a long lifespan, with many lasting over 25 years while retaining more than 80% of their efficiency.

• Disadvantages:

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  Higher Cost: Monocrystalline panels are more expensive than polycrystalline and thin-film panels due to higher production costs and a more complex manufacturing process.

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  Material Waste: The manufacturing process involves cutting large silicon crystals, resulting in higher material wastage.

3.3.2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystals that are melted and formed into panels.

• Advantages:

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  Lower Cost: Polycrystalline panels are more affordable than monocrystalline panels because their production process is simpler and involves less material wastage.

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  Good Efficiency: With an efficiency range of 15% to 17%, they are suitable for large-scale applications.

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  Availability and Production Cost: They are widely available and faster to produce, making them a cost-effective option.

• Disadvantages:

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  Lower Efficiency: While efficient, polycrystalline panels require more space to produce the same amount of power as monocrystalline panels.

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  Performance at High Temperatures: Polycrystalline panels tend to experience a greater drop in efficiency in high-temperature conditions.

3.3.3. Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film panels are made from thin layers of photovoltaic material (such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium gallium diselenide) applied to a substrate like glass, metal, or plastic.

• Advantages:

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  Lowest Cost: Thin-film panels are cheaper to produce compared to monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels due to their minimal material usage and simpler manufacturing process.

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  Lightweight and Flexible: These panels can be installed on flexible surfaces, such as curved roofs, clothing, or portable applications like backpacks.

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  Performance in Low Light: Certain types, particularly those using amorphous silicon or cadmium telluride, perform better under low-light or indirect lighting conditions.

• Disadvantages:

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  Low Efficiency: Thin-film panels have the lowest efficiency among the three types, ranging between 10% and 12%, requiring more area to generate the same amount of energy.

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  Durability and Lifespan: These panels tend to have a shorter lifespan and, in some cases, lose efficiency more quickly compared to monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels.

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  Performance at High Temperatures: While they perform well in low light, thin-film panels suffer significant efficiency losses in high-temperature environments.

4. Discussion

The results of this systematic literature review highlight the growing importance and potential of solar panel technology across diverse sectors, including transportation, residential, commercial, industrial, and agriculture. From the data gathered, it is evident that solar panels play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, particularly in the transportation sector.

In residential and commercial contexts, the integration of energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, has significantly increased system resilience and energy self-sufficiency. The use of bifacial solar panels, capable of generating higher energy output from dual surfaces, has also advanced system performance, as supported by Badran and Dhimish [19], who reported up to a 30% increase in energy capture in bifacial systems compared to monofacial ones. These technological trends reflect an ongoing shift towards high-efficiency, cost-saving solutions in distributed solar energy systems.

Furthermore, the agricultural sector benefits greatly from off-grid solar solutions, including solar-powered irrigation pumps and cold storage systems.

From the perspective of the working hypotheses, the findings confirm that technological innovation and proper implementation strategies can significantly mitigate the traditional limitations of solar panels—namely high upfront costs and dependence on geographical factors. The comparative analysis of monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels demonstrates that selection based on situational suitability is key to maximizing effectiveness.

In the broadest context, the implications of these findings are significant. The global transition toward sustainable energy is not only a technological challenge but also a socio-political one. Supportive policies, financial incentives, and public awareness will be essential in mainstreaming solar energy usage. Governments and stakeholders must collaborate to lower entry barriers and provide long-term support for solar initiatives, particularly in underdeveloped regions.

5. Conclusions

The utilization of solar panels is an effective solution to support the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy. This technology has significant potential to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, particularly in the transportation, residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Technological advancements, such as bifacial solar panels, energy storage integration, and innovations in the transportation sector, demonstrate substantial progress in adopting renewable energy.

Despite challenges such as high initial costs and energy storage limitations, solar panels offer high efficiency, long-term energy cost savings, and enhanced energy resilience. With proper policy support, technological development, and increased public awareness, solar panels can play a strategic role in mitigating climate change and promoting environmentally friendly development.

This study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments, industries, and communities to maximize the benefits of solar panels in realizing a sustainable energy future.