Plasmonic solar cells use metal nanoparticles near their localized plasmon resonance to enhance light absorption in thin-film solar cells. This review discusses recent experimental and theoretical progress, the mechanisms involved, and future prospects. Metal nanoparticles can significantly enhance photocurrent in various semiconductors and solar cell configurations. The scattering of light by these nanoparticles increases light trapping, improving solar cell efficiency. The paper highlights the importance of nanoparticle size, shape, and placement for optimal light absorption. It also discusses the role of dielectric environments and the effects of dynamic depolarization and radiation damping on plasmon resonance. Theoretical models and experimental results show that plasmonic-enhanced solar cells can achieve significant improvements in performance. The paper emphasizes the potential of plasmonic structures for future solar cell technologies, including their application in organic and inorganic solar cells. The effectiveness of plasmonic structures depends on factors such as the dielectric constant of the embedding medium, the material of the nanoparticles, and the design of the solar cell. The paper concludes that further research is needed to optimize nanoparticle distributions and interactions for practical solar cell applications.Plasmonic solar cells use metal nanoparticles near their localized plasmon resonance to enhance light absorption in thin-film solar cells. This review discusses recent experimental and theoretical progress, the mechanisms involved, and future prospects. Metal nanoparticles can significantly enhance photocurrent in various semiconductors and solar cell configurations. The scattering of light by these nanoparticles increases light trapping, improving solar cell efficiency. The paper highlights the importance of nanoparticle size, shape, and placement for optimal light absorption. It also discusses the role of dielectric environments and the effects of dynamic depolarization and radiation damping on plasmon resonance. Theoretical models and experimental results show that plasmonic-enhanced solar cells can achieve significant improvements in performance. The paper emphasizes the potential of plasmonic structures for future solar cell technologies, including their application in organic and inorganic solar cells. The effectiveness of plasmonic structures depends on factors such as the dielectric constant of the embedding medium, the material of the nanoparticles, and the design of the solar cell. The paper concludes that further research is needed to optimize nanoparticle distributions and interactions for practical solar cell applications.