Abstract: The global fossil energy crisis and the pursuit of carbon neutrality have established Gobi and desertification lands as critical areas for photovoltaic (PV) project development. To fully understand the phased evolution of PV development and its ecological impacts, bibliometric analysis was conducted on research published over the past 30 years in key scientific databases. The findings indicate that PV development has followed a staged progression: from technological exploration to performance optimization and eventually to integrated applications. Early research (prior to 2010) focused on the theoretical foundations and feasibility analyses of PV systems; between 2011 and 2015, attention shifted to system optimization and practical applications; and since 2016, the focus has been on the ecological impacts of PV development and its integration with multifunctional industry models, such as “PV+” approaches in sand control, agriculture, and eco-tourism. The ecological impacts of PV development in Gobi and desertification lands exhibit dual effects. On one hand, the rainwater collection and shading effects of PV panels enhance local water availability and microclimatic conditions. However, large-scale PV development may also lead to soil structure degradation and habitat fragmentation, posing ecological risks. Future efforts should focus on prioritizing the lifecycle management of PV facilities and the advancement of waste recycling technologies to promote the sustainable development of PV projects in Gobi and desertification lands.