Abstract:<br />In recent decades, solar energy has witnessed tremendous advancements in terms of efficiency, cost, and storage technologies, making it one of the leading sources of clean and sustainable energy. This research aims to review the key stages in the development of solar energy technologies and analyze their vital role in achieving environmental sustainability goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. It also discusses the technical and economic challenges associated with solar energy and explores proposed future solutions.<br /><br />Introduction:<br />With the increasing environmental risks resulting from the consumption of traditional energy sources, the need for sustainable and environmentally safe alternatives has become evident. Solar energy stands out as one of the most promising alternatives, thanks to its widespread availability across most parts of the world and the significant technological advancements it has undergone in recent decades.<br /><br />Development of Solar Energy Technologies:<br /><br />Traditional Photovoltaic (PV) Panels:<br />Development has progressed from monocrystalline silicon cells to polycrystalline ones.<br />Efficiency has improved from 10% to over 22%.<br /><br />Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells:<br />Lower cost and lighter weight.<br />Ongoing research aims to improve their stability and efficiency.<br /><br />Storage Technologies:<br /><br />Lithium-ion batteries.<br /><br />Thermal storage systems for concentrated solar power (CSP).<br /><br />Concentrated Solar Power (CSP):<br />Used for generating thermal electricity.<br />Applied in large-scale power generation plants.<br /><br />Role in Environmental Sustainability:<br /><br />Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.<br /><br />Decreases reliance on fossil fuels.<br /><br />Lowers air and water pollution caused by thermal power plants.<br /><br />Promotes the green economy and creates new job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance sectors.<br /><br />Challenges and Future Prospects:<br /><br />High initial production costs.<br /><br />Dependence on rare raw materials like pure silicon.<br /><br />Need to improve storage efficiency.<br /><br />Support for research to develop more efficient and longer-lasting solar cells.<br /><br />Conclusion:<br />Indicators suggest that solar energy will remain a key player in achieving global environmental sustainability, provided that technical and economic challenges are addressed. Continued development is expected to make solar energy the leading choice for clean energy in the near future.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq"<br/><br/><a href=https://uomus.edu.iq/Default.aspx target=_blank>al-mustaqbal University Website</a>