The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the synthesis of fuels and chemicals utilizing renewable energy, such as solar irradiation or electricity from renewable energy sources, can lead to economic development and CO2 emissions mitigation. Solar-plasma processes aim to exploit the sustainability benefits of solar thermochemical methods and the versatility and efficiency of plasmachemical approaches. The rationale, design, and characterization of solar-plasma reactors for CO2 conversion is presented. Solar-plasma chemical conversion processes can be classified by the relative magnitudes of input solar and electric power as either solar-enhanced plasmachemical (SEP) or plasma-enhanced solar thermochemical (PES). The implementation and evaluation of two types of solar-plasma reactors, namely solar-microwave plasma aimed at SEP chemical conversion processes and solar-gliding arc discharge for PES processes, are reviewed and contrasted. Strategies for the advancement of solar-plasma reactors for chemical synthesis are discussed.