Progress in Solar Thermal Systems and Their Role in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

The use of solar thermal systems (STSs) has recently reached a significant edge. The increasing research on developing an alternative power supply for limiting fossil fuel usage and climate change are the driving forces of STSs. The current work explores the recent progress in STSs' applications, including PV/T or photovoltaic/thermal systems, zero-energy buildings, greenhouse solar thermal applications, solar thermal for pumping water, solar thermal refrigerators, solar chimneys, water desalination, and solar collectors, along with the benefits and challenges of these applications. Then, the potential contribution of STSs in achieving the various SDGs or Sustainable development goals, including barriers and research gaps, are elaborated. In brief, STSs significantly contribute to the seventeen SDGs' achievement directly and indirectly. Recent developments in the engineering applications of STSs are strongly based on the materials of construction, as well as their design, process optimisation, and integration with multidisciplinary sciences and technologies such as modelling, nanoscience/nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Automated summary

The use of solar thermal systems (STSs) has made significant progress recently, offering replacement for fossil fuels and addressing climate change. This article presents the applications, benefits, and challenges of STSs in various fields. It also elaborates the potential contribution of STSs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, along with the barriers and research gaps. Recent engineering advancements in STSs rely on materials, design optimization, and integration with multidisciplinary sciences and technologies.