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
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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.
The Justice Department alleged the defendants agreed to pay more than $250 million in bribes to Indian officials in order to win lucrative solar energy contracts from the Indian government.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
Leaders at both companies are among those who glimpse immense potential in the idea of powering AI on Earth by using a constellation of satellites packed with AI chips to collect solar energy.
From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026
Meta Platforms Inc. is looking to power artificial intelligence data centers with solar energy collected in space, taking a novel approach to meeting its insatiable demand for electricity.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026
The commissioners approved the Health Department’s new policy for solar energy and battery facilities, including a nonrefundable $25,000 fee to cover the cost of reviewing a proposed project.
From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026
To Joel, sustainable organic farming means using this free solar energy instead of fossil fuel energy.
From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
