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

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 03 | Page : 120 130
By

Shashi Gandhar,

S.B. Kumar,

Diksha Chopade,

Kusum Tharani,

Prakhar Priyadarshi,

Abhishek Gandhar,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India
  3. Research Scholar, Department of Electrical Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) College of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  4. Professor, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India
  5. Professor, Department of Information Technology, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India
  6. Professor, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India

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: Crystalline silicon; thin-film; perovskite; OPV; DSSC; life cycle assessment; tandem cells; recycling.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article: Shashi Gandhar, S.B. Kumar, Diksha Chopade, Kusum Tharani, Prakhar Priyadarshi, Abhishek Gandhar. Comparative Assessment of Polymers and Composites for Solar Panels: Fundamentals, Performance Metrics, Manufacturing, and Sustainability. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):120-130.
How to cite this URL: Shashi Gandhar, S.B. Kumar, Diksha Chopade, Kusum Tharani, Prakhar Priyadarshi, Abhishek Gandhar. Comparative Assessment of Polymers and Composites for Solar Panels: Fundamentals, Performance Metrics, Manufacturing, and Sustainability. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):120-130. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=243761

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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Special Issue 03
Received 05/03/2026
Accepted 21/03/2026
Published 13/05/2026
Publication Time 69 Days

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