Photovoltaic laser power converters (PVLPCs) are the core element of power-by-light (PBL) systems, which are basically made up of a power laser, an optical fiber, and a PVLPC. PBL allows the safe transfer of power in situations where the direct use of electrical energy to power electronic equipment is either not possible or not recommendable. The first PBL system was built in 1978, but it has been only recently when PBL systems are having an outburst with continuous efficiency improvements, creation of start-ups, big companies entering the business, and increasing number of scientific publications and specialized technical conferences. This review begins with an overview of the functionalities of PBL systems and the critical requirements imposed to PVLPCs. Afterward, a brief outlook on the history of PVLPCs is presented. A detailed comparison among the different typologies of PVLPCs in terms of efficiency, delivered power, voltage, temperature effects, and manufacturability is carried out, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. We also point out the main aspects limiting the efficiency of PVLPCs and possible ways to circumvent them. Finally, we discuss the perspectives of PVLPCs together with the possible routes to a steady deployment of PBL systems to serve a considerable number of applications in our daily life.

光伏激光功率转换器 (PVLPC) 是光功率 (PBL) 系统的核心元件，它基本上由功率激光器、光纤和 PVLPC 组成。在无法或不推荐直接使用电能为电子设备供电的情况下，PBL 允许安全传输电力。第一个 PBL 系统建于 1978 年，但直到最近，PBL 系统才随着效率的不断提高、初创企业的创建、大公司进入业务以及越来越多的科学出版物和专业技术会议而爆发。本综述首先概述了 PBL 系统的功能以及对 PVLPC 的关键要求。随后，简要介绍了 PVLPC 的历史。对不同类型的 PVLPC 在效率、输出功率、电压、温度效应和可制造性方面进行了详细比较，根据应用突出了它们的优缺点。我们还指出了限制 PVLPC 效率的主要方面以及规避它们的可能方法。最后，我们讨论了 PVLPC 的前景以及稳定部署 PBL 系统以服务于我们日常生活中大量应用的可能途径。我们还指出了限制 PVLPC 效率的主要方面以及规避它们的可能方法。最后，我们讨论了 PVLPC 的前景以及稳定部署 PBL 系统以服务于我们日常生活中大量应用的可能途径。我们还指出了限制 PVLPC 效率的主要方面以及规避它们的可能方法。最后，我们讨论了 PVLPC 的前景以及稳定部署 PBL 系统以服务于我们日常生活中大量应用的可能途径。