Purpose: The study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of current research trends in photovoltaic (PV) applications through a bibliometric approach. Specifically, it seeks to identify the main areas of research, the geographical leaders, the temporal trends, and the recurring themes to guide future development. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used a five-step procedure based on Hart's methodology, involving data collection, verification, bibliometric analysis, visualization, and results interpretation. The Scopus database was searched using specific keyword combinations, and tools like VOSviewer and Excel were employed for co-occurrence, temporal, geographical, and thematic analysis of publications. Findings: China, the United States, and India dominate PV application research, with significant contributions in materials science, engineering, and energy fields. Six application domains were analyzed: industry, household, transportation, solar farms, remote locations, and military, with industry and household applications being the most researched. Research limitations: The study is limited to the Scopus database. This database is broad. However, it may exclude relevant work from other databases. Additionally, studies with unconventional terminology or interdisciplinary scope may be omitted from keyword-based searches. Practical implications: By mapping PV research trends and dominant regions, the study can guide policymakers, investors, and researchers toward areas with high potential for development and innovation. The identified application domains can help prioritize funding and international collaboration in the most promising PV sectors. Originality: This research offers the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis explicitly focused on PV applications rather than general PV technology. It contributes to filling the knowledge gap by structuring research areas, identifying emerging topics, and revealing underexplored application domains. (original abstract)