Shifting scientific power in solar research: the spectacular rise of China in emerging photovoltaics

Abstract

China is the undisputed leader in the industrialization and commercialization of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells – the most widespread solar technology – and a cornerstone of the global energy transition. In this work, we analyze the global scientific output published in peer-reviewed journals on emerging PV technologies, namely dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), organic photovoltaics (OPV), and perovskite solar cells – promising but less mature alternatives for future solar electricity generation. Our bibliometric analysis reveals that China has progressively assumed a leading role in this research area. In 2024 alone, Chinese researchers accounted for 31% of global publications in emerging PV, compared to only 5% from the United States. The “China Initiative,” launched by the US administration in 2018, significantly disrupted US-China collaborations and prompted China to establish new strategic partnerships with other nations. It also catalyzed the development of greater autonomy among Chinese scientists. Notably, China's scientific leadership now extends beyond sheer volume of publications; it also leads in terms of quality, as evidenced by its growing presence in high-impact journals and increasing citation rates. Without substantial and sustained investments in emerging PV research, both Europe and the United States risk falling irreversibly behind in the global race for next-generation solar innovation.