Nature and technology nexus for photovoltaic systems: nature impacts, advanced external techniques, nature-inspired solutions, and sustainability strategies

The Photovoltaic (PV) system has attracted significant research attention because of its renewable attributes, quiet operation, and simple installation. Nonetheless, the whole potential of PV technology remains unrealised due to many external obstacles. This requires a comprehensive evaluation to determine the effects of external factors on PV and external technological solutions, which could guide future research endeavours. This review integrates three essential dimensions: the impact of environmental factors on PV systems, advanced technological solutions—including biomimetic approaches—for improving energy efficiency, and a critical evaluation of PV sustainability in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The review offers a comprehensive examination of natural elements, including wind, humidity, temperature, and Earth's rotation, which may impair PV performance, alongside the beneficial and detrimental environmental effects of PV systems. In addition, the review investigates advanced technological alternatives for enhancing energy performance in conjunction with nature-inspired advances. Further, the study reviewed PV system sustainability challenges, assessed SDGs alignment, and explored sustainable methods to reduce environmental consequences. The PV systems exert positive impacts on the environment by diminishing fossil fuel consumption while also presenting adverse consequences such as deforestation, environmental disruption, and the utilization of hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the nature-inspired methods, along with superior external approaches, improved the energy performance of PV modules. Moreover, the PV system is pivotal in attaining SDGs, enabling secure and sustainable future energy. Therefore, in future, sustainability strategy frameworks for PV systems must be established to address sustainability concerns.