Renewable energy sources, free of environmental risks, are vital for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions and addressing climate change to meet Sustainable Development Goals. This study explores the evolution of solar energy research using bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence analysis of 6,460 articles from 1988 to 2024. The findings reveal a significant increase in solar power-related publications, with China leading in research output, followed by the United States and India. Top journals include Renewable Energy and Energies, with a growing focus on Energy and Engineering. This analysis serves as a vital reference for solar energy researchers and professionals.