The development of a robust and efficient electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is essential for accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation. This systematic review analyzes recent research on EV charging network planning, with a particular focus on optimization techniques, machine learning applications, and sustainability integration. Using bibliometric methods and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we identify key thematic clusters, including smart grid integration, strategic station placement, renewable energy integration, and public policy impacts. This study reveals a growing trend toward hybrid models that combine artificial intelligence and optimization methods to address challenges such as grid constraints, range anxiety, and economic feasibility. We provide a taxonomy of computational approaches—ranging from classical optimization to deep reinforcement learning—and synthesize practical insights for researchers, policymakers, and urban planners. The findings highlight the critical role of coordinated strategies and data-driven tools in designing scalable and resilient EV charging infrastructures, and point to future research directions involving intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable charging solutions.

As the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) falls, their potential for transforming modern electricity generation increases. Solar PV provides a simpler way of producing clean and affordable energy, which makes it an attractive investment. Great investments in solar PV have occurred in industrialized countries, but government efforts to promote this technology have not been effective in nonindustrialized countries. Despite this, some of these countries may have a high solar PV potential, such as Colombia, where policies to encourage solar PV are only just starting to take place. Therefore, this paper proposes a simulation model to assess different policies—feed-in tariff, net metering, and capital subsidy—to promote solar PV investments in the Colombian residential sector. Policies are assessed considering the criteria of efficiency and effectiveness. Simulation results suggest that (i) net metering is the most efficient policy with a cost indicator of 20,298 USD/MW; (ii) feed-in tariff is the most effective policy as it reaches the highest level of avoided CO₂ emissions—4,792,823 million tons of CO₂—and a meaningful PV installed capacity of 7522 MW; (iii) capital subsidy is the least efficient policy as it has the highest cost indicator of 509,616 USD/MW.

The swift global proliferation of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has significantly contributed to the acceleration of the transition to renewable energy. Projections indicate a significant rise in installed capacity by 2050, suggesting that the extensive implementation of solar panels is transforming energy systems while simultaneously highlighting important issues regarding end-of-life waste management and long-term sustainability. The environmental advantages of photovoltaic (PV) systems are overshadowed by the prevalent reliance on landfilling and inadequate recycling practices, revealing a substantial deficiency in sustainable waste management, especially in areas with underdeveloped policy frameworks. This research study examines the solar panel supply chain, highlighting critical stages, sources of waste generation, existing management practices, and potential areas for enhancement. Waste is classified into four categories, solid, hazardous, electronic (WEEE), and environmental, each necessitating specific management strategies. Regions such as Europe exhibit comprehensive legal frameworks and advanced recycling technologies, whereas others, including Latin America and certain areas of Asia, continue to encounter deficits in policy and infrastructure. The research highlights the implementation of the 6R principles—Recycle, Recover, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Refine—within a circular economy framework to improve sustainability, optimize resource utilization, and reduce environmental impact. The findings highlight the necessity for coordinated policies, technological innovation, and international collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for solar energy. This study offers important insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers focused on enhancing circularity and sustainability within the photovoltaic sector.

This paper explores how investments in research and development (R&D) and government policies impact the growth of renewable energy in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia up to 2040. The study presents four scenarios to understand how different levels of R&D investment and the presence or absence of supportive policies affect the spread of renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy. The scenarios range from an optimistic one with high R&D funding and strong policy support to a worst-case scenario with low R&D efforts and weak policies. The findings emphasize the importance of solid government backing and strategic R&D investments in promoting renewable energy and increasing the number of green patents. On the other hand, scenarios with limited policy support and R&D funding show much slower growth, highlighting the challenges posed by economic constraints and tough market conditions. The study shows that strong renewable energy policies could boost renewable energy adoption by 100% to 200%. Overall, this research adds to the discussion on sustainable energy policies and provides useful insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that maximize the potential of renewable energy in the region.

Amidst the sweeping changes in the global electricity and automotive sectors, we observe a rapid surge in the proliferation of distributed generation (DG) and electric vehicles (EVs), primarily driven by the widespread deployment of photovoltaic systems. The widespread embrace of EVs necessitates a dual approach of financial incentives and infrastructure development to enhance the appeal of these vehicles. The findings presented in this paper hold significant importance for policymakers, underscoring the urgency of transitioning toward sustainable decentralized power systems and promoting EV adoption. While this transition offers promising opportunities, it also presents formidable challenges. Successful integration of DG and EVs demands careful attention to policy and regulatory frameworks. Some experts advocate for simultaneous adjustments in design, addressing mobility limitations and offering incentives for DG and EVs. Given the multitude of uncertainties, the authors suggest employing a system dynamics model to analyze the impact of photovoltaic technology and EV diffusion. The paper concludes that, within the Colombian context, the potential exists, under specific conditions, to increase the adoption of solar panels and EVs in households. This, in turn, contributes to a reduction in CO₂ emissions and a transformative shift in the composition of the automotive fleet toward EVs.