Solar radiation (Rs) is the main source of energy for physical, biological and chemical processes on Earth, and is a necessary parameter for the simulation of ecological water cycle processes, as well as an important factor for calculating reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0). Due to the limitation of observation cost and other reasons, conventional meteorological data are usually used to estimate solar radiation. This paper reviews the current mainstream solar radiation estimation methods at home and abroad, including theoretical models, empirical models, machine learning models and remote sensing inversion models. The problems existing in the existing solar radiation estimation methods are summarized, and the future research trends are prospected.