Abstract: Photovoltaic power plants are effective in reducing carbon emissions and alleviating global warming. Global photovoltaic power plants have been entering into a large-scale and high-speed period. So the climate-related and environmental impacts caused by photovoltaic power plants should be given more attentions. This paper summarizes the related work on climate and environmental impacts of photovoltaic power plants in China and abroad. Specifically, we discuss the current situation and development trend of energy recovery and carbon emissions related to large-scale photovoltaic power plants, near-earth radiation effects and thermal effects of large-scale photovoltaic power plants, local climate effects, and overall climate effects. The results show that photovoltaic power plants have certain effects on carbon emissions and balance of surface energy budget. They can be used to regulate the surface radiation level and temperature in relevant areas. Potentially, they have positive effects on the ecological environment in desert areas. Currently, relevant researches in China are not systematic, and relevant work still needs further exploration.