Solar energy is now widely recognized as a greener solution to tackle significant problems in environmental pollution and energy shortages. In recent times, increasing awareness about climate change, decarbonization and circular economy had already spurred a rapidly growing interest in the adoption of renewable electricity. Solar energy, which is considered to be renewable and environmentally sustainable, is among the most important aspects of renewable energy and has already been widely used in domestic, industrial, rural, and transport sectors.

In general, solar energy has been used in two different ways: for electricity and heat. Solar energy uses solar thermal energy to heat water or air for applications such as heating, drying, and cooling for homes and businesses. Solar thermal energy can also be used for power generation, such as a concentrated solar power plant. Solar photovoltaic technology converts solar energy into electricity using a semiconductor solar material. The third dimension of producing fuels from solar energy is getting serious attention.

The aim of this special Issue is to consolidate a series of research papers on the various aspects of solar energy technologies, including up-to-date research on various solar PV and thermal technologies, solar desalination, solar transportation, solar heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), solar building technology, and solar fuels. Specialized research on novel systems, sizing, modelling and simulation, performance, life cycle assessment, and optimization are also of interest. We welcome both original research and review articles.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Solar applications in buildings
• Solarization of airports
• Advances in concentrated solar power
• Solar power in space
• Solar powered vehicles
• Solar desalination technologies
• Solar fuels
• Floating solar plants
• Solar in Agriculture
• End of Life cycle and Circular Economy of sustainable solar systems
• Energy storage technologies
• Solar passive buildings
• Solar based Hybrid systems
• Solar Islands
• Modelling, simulation, optimization, and performance assessment of sustainable solar technologies
• Environmental impacts, social aspects, policy, and economic aspects of sustainable solar technologies