Systematic review elucidating the generations and classifications of solar cells contributing towards environmental sustainability integration

Abstract Rapid escalation in energy demand and pressure over finite fossil fuels reserves with augmenting urbanization and industrialization points towards adoption of cleaner, sustainable and eco-friendly sources to be employed. Solar cell devices known for efficient conversion of solar energy to electrical energy have been attracting scientific community due to their remarkable conformity with the principles of green chemistry. The future candidacy of solar cells is expressed by their efficient conversion. Such a great potential associated with solar cells has instigated research since many decades leading to the emergence of a wide myriad of solar cells devices with novel constituent materials, designs and architecture reflected in form of three generations of the solar cells. Considering the cleaner and sustainability aspects of the solar energy, current review has systematically compiled different generations of solar cells signifying the advancements in terms of architecture and compositional parameters. In addition to the chronological progression of solar cells, current review has also focused on the innovations done in improvement of solar cells. In terms of efficiency and stability, photovoltaic community is eager to achieve augmented efficiencies and stabilities for using solar cells as an alternative to the conventional fossil fuels.