solar energy
Americannoun
noun
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The radiant energy emitted by the Sun.
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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.
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See also solar cell
Discover More
The term solar energy often refers to processes that use this energy to generate heat or electricity for human use. (See solar cells.)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Carbon dioxide and water meet in the chloroplasts, where solar energy breaks down their molecules and reassembles them into the sugar glucose plus “a side order of oxygen,” the author writes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
The disappearance of reflective ice also exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more solar energy and can accelerate regional warming.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026
The incident at La Verne took place at a smaller facility where solar energy is captured and stored for internal use as opposed to being sent into the broader electrical grid.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026
The company added it was "exploring opportunities" for solar energy and battery storage on site, and it would make use of "non-potable, brackish groundwater" which it said would avoid putting pressure on the watershed.
From Barron's ● Aug. 7, 2026
She’s got a weapon that if necessary can convert solar energy into deadly rays of power, so that could last indefinitely.
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
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