Due to its universal existence, infinite reserve, and the advantages of being clean and economic, solar energy has become one of the most important source of energy in the 21st century. As the most abundant resource of renewable energy, solar photovoltaic energy is inexhaustible. It also belongs to the field of high technology and is hailed as the best energy, promising great potentials for eventual utilization. This paper introduces the basic concepts of solar photovoltaic, describes the basic structure and working principle of the photovoltaic power generation system, lists the scope of application of photovoltaic power generation as well as the leading states and enterprises in the field, and finally reviews photovoltaic power generation technology current development and future trends at home and abroad.