The article discusses the efficiency improvements in solar water splitting for hydrogen production through photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices. It contrasts the advantages of direct PEC devices with traditional photovoltaic-electrolyzer (PV-EC) systems, highlighting benefits such as enhanced thermal management and lower operating current densities. Operating PEC devices at elevated pressure is explored as a method to streamline hydrogen applications by reducing additional pressurization steps and minimizing bubble formation. The study also examines the potential drawbacks of operating at increased pressure, including elevated thermodynamic voltage requirements and potential impacts on mass transport efficiency. By focusing on a membrane-free PEC device configuration, the article investigates the balance between benefits and penalties associated with elevated pressure operation, emphasizing the importance of pressure-dependent bubble characteristics in optimizing device performance. The research employs a multiphysics model to analyze various loss mechanisms and determine the optimal operating pressure range for membrane-free PEC water-splitting devices. Overall, the sentiment towards hydrogen production through solar water splitting is positive, with an emphasis on enhancing efficiency and practical applications through innovative device engineering.