The urgent global need for sustainable energy solutions has propelled solar power into a central role in the transition to clean energy. This study presents a state-of-the-art review of advancements in solar energy technologies, focusing on photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, Internet of Things (IoT) integration, and barriers to large-scale deployment. Technological innovations, including perovskite-based PV cells and thermal storage for CSP, have significantly improved system efficiency and reduced costs. Concurrently, AI-driven algorithms enhance energy production forecasting, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance, while IoT-enabled sensor networks support real-time monitoring and smart grid integration. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and regulatory frameworks. This review employed a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, sourcing peer-reviewed articles from Scopus (2019–2024) using four targeted search strings aligned with research questions. A structured multi-stage selection process ensured the inclusion of the most relevant and methodologically robust studies, resulting in a focused evidence base for analysis. The synthesis highlights cutting-edge trends, practical applications, and future directions in solar energy, providing a strategic perspective for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to drive innovation and global adoption.