Solar energy advances and CO2 emissions: A comparative review of leading nations' path to sustainable future

As a radiant beacon of hope, solar energy has emerged as a promising solution, illuminating the path toward a sustainable future. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the policies and strategies employed by the top five solar energy-producing nations (China, the USA, Japan, Germany, and India) in achieving a sustainable future through solar energy utilization. The study employs the IETB (Institution, Economics, Technology, and Behavior) framework to systematically and comprehensively examine the similarities and contrasts among the selected countries across the four dimensions. The findings highlight each country's unique policy regulations, technological advancements, and challenges. It also identifies the driving forces behind solar energy development in each country and provides valuable information to structure a roadmap for emerging and frontier economies. The study also unveils the current status of global solar energy and the intensity of CO2 emissions in the five major solar power-generating nations. It provides valuable recommendations for policymakers and future academics in formulating and implementing effective policies focused on fostering a sustainable future via solar energy utilization. It also encourages collaboration, innovation, and effective policymaking in the solar energy sector. The study is limited to the top five solar energy-producing nations, and the findings may only be generalizable to other countries with appropriate adaptations. The novelty lies in it being the first comparative study among the leading producers of solar energy to provide a systematic policy evaluation, country-wise comparison, and comprehensive carbon emissions identifications. It also provides a novel contribution to the knowledge pool on solar policy and renewable energy transition. [Display omitted] •Global knowledge gap in solar energy usage, policies, challenges, and country-wise CO2 emissions.•Adoption of Novel IETB multi-dimensional analysis to highlight previously underrated facets.•A comparative study of the top five solar power-generating countries.•Each country has unique policies, technological advancements, and challenges.•Collaborative policy actions create synergy and serve as a benchmark for emerging countries.