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Phase change materials (PCMs) can be applied to several different solar energy systems for the extended heat energy storage which is quite useful as the solar energy is intermittent in nature and is unavailable during the night period. Application of PCMs in solar energy systems allows the solar energy to be used at any time even in the absence of the natural solar radiation. Thus, the use of PCMs in the solar energy systems can bridge the demand and supply gap of the normal electrical energy. This paper deals with the recent advances in PCMs application in different solar energy systems and presents almost all of the emerging areas where the applications of PCM in solar energy systems are urgently required. The novel and most recent developments of PCMs in solar thermal energy systems, such as, solar thermal power plants, solar air heater, solar water heater and solar cooker have been duly covered …