Many key aspects of society, such as transport, housing and health care, have been significantly improved by the advent of a range of electricity applications, and the power generation for electricity applications has been a major field of research. Photovoltaic (PV) self-powered technologies are promising technologies for addressing applications' power supply challenges and alleviating conventional electricity load and environmental pollution. This study reviews solar energy harvesting (SEH) technologies for PV self-powered applications. First, the PV power generation and scenarios of PV self-powered applications are analyzed. Second, analysis of system design for PV self-powered applications is presented. Third, key components for PV self-powered applications, including maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques and power management (PM) systems are discussed in detail. Furthermore, numerous PV self-powered applications and utilizations of energy harvesting are summarized. Finally, some recommendations are proposed for further research. Display omitted •Self-powered applications of PV power generation are analyzed.•Multiple system designs for PV self-powered applications are presented.•Key components for PV self-powered applications are discussed in detail.•Various PV self-powered applications are summarized.•Some recommendations for further research are proposed.