TY - JOUR
T1 - Composite materials in solar energy
T2 - a review
AU - Gharsallah, Sana
AU - Hussein, Ahmed Kadhim
AU - Rashid, Farhan Lafta
AU - Kadhim, Saif Ali
AU - Homod, Raad Z.
AU - Agyekum, Ephraim Bonah
AU - Younis, Obai
AU - Rasul, Mohammed Kawa
AU - Sharifi, Mehran
AU - Al-Sharify, Zainab T.
AU - Abdulameer, Sajjad Firas
AU - Ahmed, Awadallah
AU - Chemingui, Mahmoud
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 International Solar Energy Society
PY - 2025/9/1
Y1 - 2025/9/1
N2 - This review highlights the growing role of composite materials in improving the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy technologies. As the world turns more to renewable energy to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, solar energy stands out as a powerful solution for sustainable power generation. Composite materials, which combine the best properties of different substances, are crucial for advancing solar energy systems by enhancing their efficiency, durability, and thermal management. In this review, we dive into the use of composites in various solar applications, including photovoltaic systems, solar collectors, and thermal energy storage (TES) solutions. Key innovations discussed include the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in TES, advanced direct absorption solar collectors (DASCs) with nanofluids, and composite-enhanced photovoltaic back sheets. We also explore the incorporation of eco-friendly materials, such as natural fibers, and the exciting potential of 2D materials like graphene and MoS2 in improving solar technology performance. The review stresses the importance of ongoing research to address challenges in material optimization and system integration, aiming to create scalable and reliable solar technologies. Ultimately, composite materials play a crucial role in the shift toward cleaner energy, helping make solar energy a more competitive, efficient, and sustainable solution to meet global energy needs.
AB - This review highlights the growing role of composite materials in improving the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy technologies. As the world turns more to renewable energy to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, solar energy stands out as a powerful solution for sustainable power generation. Composite materials, which combine the best properties of different substances, are crucial for advancing solar energy systems by enhancing their efficiency, durability, and thermal management. In this review, we dive into the use of composites in various solar applications, including photovoltaic systems, solar collectors, and thermal energy storage (TES) solutions. Key innovations discussed include the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in TES, advanced direct absorption solar collectors (DASCs) with nanofluids, and composite-enhanced photovoltaic back sheets. We also explore the incorporation of eco-friendly materials, such as natural fibers, and the exciting potential of 2D materials like graphene and MoS2 in improving solar technology performance. The review stresses the importance of ongoing research to address challenges in material optimization and system integration, aiming to create scalable and reliable solar technologies. Ultimately, composite materials play a crucial role in the shift toward cleaner energy, helping make solar energy a more competitive, efficient, and sustainable solution to meet global energy needs.
KW - Composite materials
KW - Solar cells
KW - Solar collectors
KW - Solar energy storage
KW - Solar still
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105005736191&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.solener.2025.113606
DO - 10.1016/j.solener.2025.113606
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:105005736191
SN - 0038-092X
VL - 297
JO - Solar Energy
JF - Solar Energy
M1 - 113606
ER -
