A scientometric review of global research on solar photovoltaics and poverty alleviation

Solar energy holds significant potential for alleviating poverty, tackling climate change and providing affordable clean energy, contributing to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, limited research has systematically reviewed the progress in the field of solar photovoltaics and poverty (PV–PO). To address this gap, this paper aims to reveal the status, collaborative networks, research hotspots, trends and challenges by conducting a scientometric analysis based on 468 academic publications. The results indicate that research on PV–PO has received widespread attention. Notably, Energy Policy, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews and Energy Research and Social Science are the most prolific journals, while China, USA and UK are the leading countries in research output. Despite regional collaborative research relationships being strong, there is room for enhancing collaboration among institutions and individuals. Key research hotspots in the PV–PO field include “Renewable Energy”, “Rural Electrification” and “Energy Poverty”, with recent research frontiers encompassing “Systems” and “Model”. Furthermore, the PV–PO domain faces challenges related to “Performance”, “Efficiency”, “Feasibility”, “Energy Storage”, “Acceptance” and “Affordability”. The findings uncover the knowledge structure of the PV–PO research field and provide insights and references for governments, researchers and decision-makers focusing on leveraging solar energy for sustainable development. Graphical abstract