Solar energy technologies are central to global efforts toward the creation of a low-carbon energy system in the economy. This paper provides a life cycle assessment-based integrated review of the energy, environmental, and economic performance of concentrating solar technologies and building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal systems. Concentrated solar thermal systems, such as solar tower, parabolic trough, linear Fresnel, and solar dish technologies, are compared on their cumulative energy demand, global warming potential, resource utilization, and the corresponding life cycle costs. Hotspots in the systems are mainly in manufacturing, construction, and material extraction stages, where solar concentrators are the most environmentally intensive of all the system components. One of the key problems that has been identified is inconsistency in life cycle assessment results because there is no standardization of environmental assessment tools like SimaPro, GaBi, SAM, and Thermoflex. This emphasizes the importance of a common methodology to allow comparability of studies. Also, integrated environmental and economic studies are few but significant in directing investment and policy-making decisions. In cityscapes, where space is scarce, building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal systems offer a novel solution by integrating electrical and thermal energy generation into building facades. Building integrated photovoltaics/thermal systems enhances energy efficiency, reduces photovoltaic panel surface temperatures, and enables the shift toward net-zero energy buildings. Integration of building-integrated photovoltaics/thermal and development of concentrated solar thermal systems are key drivers to optimize solar energy use, reduce emissions, and optimize system economics. The review highlights the importance of further research, standardization, and policy incentives for maximizing the environmental and economic benefits of solar thermal and hybrid solar technologies.