<p>Flat plate solar collectors (FPSC) are used to harness solar energy, which is a renewable and clean source of energy. The major issue of the current time, like global warming, can be eradicated by the use of sustainable solar energy. In this current review article, an effort had been made by the authors to discuss and comprehensively analyze almost all the aspects related to precisely the FPSC. Herein, the numerical simulations and experimental work done on FPSC, phase change materials (PCM) integration with FPSC, exergetic and economic analyses of FPSC, thermal efficiency related investigations, usage of nanofluid (organic, inorganic and hybrid) in FPSC and coupling and integration of FPSC with other devices and buildings had been reviewed mostly, dating back from the current year to the previous decade. Lastly, the conclusions, the challenges and the future recommendations are provided to sum up the review paper.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>