solar energy

American  

[soh-ler en-er-jee] / ˈsoʊ lər ˈɛn ər dʒi /

noun

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

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solar energy British  

noun

1. energy obtained from solar power

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solar energy Scientific  

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

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solar energy Cultural  

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

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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

When his SolarCity solar energy company ran into financial trouble in 2016, he merged it into Tesla with the assent of a compliant Tesla board.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

This behavior is expected as the comet receives less solar energy.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026

In March, Nasa announced a $20 billion programme to construct a permanent base powered by nuclear and solar energy at the Moon's south pole by 2032.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The ETF, which provides exposure to companies tied to the global solar energy sector, is up 24% year to date and 78% over the past 12 months.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

But Dad’s main interest was energy: thermal energy, nuclear energy, solar energy, electrical energy, and energy from the wind.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Related Words

• solar power
• solar radiation