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Journal of Polymer & Composites Review Article Special issue

Comparative Assessment of Polymers and Composites for Solar Panels: Fundamentals, Performance Metrics, Manufacturing, and Sustainability

  1. Shashi Gandhar Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering
  2. S.B. Kumar Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering
  3. Diksha Chopade Department of Electrical Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) College of Engineering, Pune
  4. Kusum Tharani Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering
  5. Prakhar Priyadarshi Department of Information Technology, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering
  6. Abhishek Gandhar Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the main types of Photo Voltaic polymers and composites such as crystalline silicon (both mono- and poly-Si), thin-film tech (CdTe, CIGS, a-Si), perovskites, and organic/dye-sensitized cells and analyses the parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, open-circuit voltage, temperature response, and degradation. The analysis focusses on polymers and composites and manufacturing techniques like vapor deposition, roll-to-roll printing, and both solution and vapor techniques for perovskites. This paper deals with performance analysis and a comparative assessment of different architectures, lead-free perovskites, greener absorber polymers and composites, and more nonconventional types. Silicon is still leading material because of proven technology, economical perspective but perovskite–silicon type modules and new thin-film technologies are advanced technologies with higher efficiency. This paper gives a detailed review of recent technologically advanced polymers and composites for manufacturing the solar panels. The presented comprehensive assessment of these polymers and composites can be a helpful framework for researchers and academicians working on solar photovoltaic polymers and composites and and their mythologies. The review also highlights emerging research trends, environmental considerations, and long‑term stability challenges, offering insights into future directions for material innovation and scalable fabrication. These added perspectives support broader understanding of the sustainable energy development achieved by the next‑generation PV materials.

Keywords

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