Recent Trends and Future Directions in Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Technologies

Abstract

The global energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy security, and ensure sustainable development. Solar and wind energy technologies have emerged as leading contributors to this transition due to their scalability, declining costs, and environmental benefits. Recent advances in photovoltaic materials, including perovskite-silicon tandem cells and bifacial modules, have significantly improved conversion efficiency and energy yield, while innovations in building-integrated and transparent photovoltaics enable broader urban applications [1], [6]. Wind energy has similarly benefited from taller and more aerodynamically optimized turbines, floating offshore platforms, and intelligent control systems that enhance reliability and reduce maintenance costs [2], [7]. Despite these technological improvements, integrating variable renewable energy into power grids remains challenging, necessitating advanced forecasting techniques, hybrid solar-wind systems, and energy storage solutions to stabilize supply [4], [8]. Emerging research directions emphasize the use of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and sustainable material development to improve system performance, lifecycle sustainability, and operational efficiency [3], [5]. This review synthesizes current trends in solar and wind technologies, evaluates ongoing challenges, and outlines future directions for research and deployment. By bridging material science, engineering innovations, and system-level strategies, the study provides a roadmap for advancing solar and wind energy toward a resilient, sustainable, and economically viable energy future.