solar energy

[soh-ler en-er-jee]

noun

1. energy derived from the sun in the form of solar radiation.

solar energy

noun

1. energy obtained from solar power

solar energy

1. The radiant energy emitted by the Sun.

2. Energy derived from the Sun's radiation. Passive solar energy can be exploited through architectural design, as by positioning windows to allow sunlight to enter and help heat a space. Active solar energy involves the conversion of sunlight to electrical energy, especially in solar (photovoltaic) cells.

3. See also solar cell

solar energy

1. The energy the Earth receives from the sun, primarily as visible light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. (See renewable resource.)

The term solar energy often refers to processes that use this energy to generate heat or electricity for human use. (See solar cells.)

Related Words

• solar power 
• solar radiation