This work is a review of the recent trends in the photoelectrocatalytic conversion of solar energy into electricity or hydrogen. It focuses on photocatalytic fuel cells and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting systems and presents both the basic principles and the design of devices. It includes a broad review of materials employed for the construction of photoanodes, photocathodes and tandem cells and highlights the related research fields which are expected to be of interest in the near future. The review is intended to become a basic manual for new adepts to the field and at the same time a handy reference to experienced researchers. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.