Trends and developments in flexible solar cells: insights from a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

This review comprehensively analyzes the development, efficiency, and applications of flexible solar cells (F-SCs) over the past four decades. F-SCs, including flexible-dye-sensitized solar cells (Flexible-DSSCs), flexible-organic solar cells (Flexible-OSCs), flexible-perovskite solar cells (Flexible-PeSCs), and flexible-thin-film SCs (CIGS, CdTe, and a-Si), offer significant advantages over traditional rigid solar cells, such as mechanical flexibility, lightweight, and potential for large-area and low-cost production. This review focuses on advancements in materials and fabrication techniques of F-SCs, highlighting their impact on performance and market expansion. Notably, flexible-PeSCs have achieved high power-conversion efficiencies (PCEs), making them a focal point of current research. The integration of F-SCs into diverse applications, such as portable electronics, wearables, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), underscores their versatility and potential to meet the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. This review explores the influence of different substrates, electrodes, and material structures on the PCE and stability of F-SCs and highlights the progress in manufacturing techniques, such as inkjet printing and screen printing. The findings emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing F-SC technologies for overcoming technical and economic barriers, concluding that continuous research and global cooperation are vital for maximizing their potential and implementation, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.