Buildings account for a significant proportion of total energy consumption. The integration of renewable energy sources is essential to reducing energy demand and achieve sustainable building design. The use of solar energy has great potential for promoting energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption in buildings. This study examines the applications of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies in the field of architecture, demonstrating the huge potential of solar energy in building applications. To ensure a fresh and thorough review, we examine literature that encompasses the advancements made in the utilization of solar energy in buildings over the past decade. The key factors to consider in this study are reliability, performance, cost and aesthetics in real applications of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies in the field of architecture, which have a significant impact on people’s acceptance of solar energy technology. Recent developments in feasible and effective optimization solutions for solar energy technologies are summarized. Accurate and convenient simulation techniques are also summarized for reference. The results show that the rapid progress of BIPV systems is fueled by advancements in three crucial areas: enhancing solar cell and module efficiency, reducing manufacturing costs and achieving a competitive levelized cost of electricity. The results can provide researchers with a reference for understanding recent technological developments in the integration of solar energy into buildings.