Defined term
Solar energy
Solar energy is radiant energy from the sun that can be captured and converted into useful forms of energy.
foundation · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-001 · Last verified August 7, 2026
Definition and decision context
Definition
Solar energy is radiant energy from the sun that can be captured and converted into useful forms of energy.
Verified August 7, 2026
Why it matters
For a household, available sunlight is the resource that a solar energy system converts into electricity or heat.
Verified August 7, 2026
Concept relationships
Narrower concepts
- PhotovoltaicsPublished concept
- Community solarPublished concept
Affects
- Annual solar productionPublished concept
Primary sources
- U.S. Department of Energy: How Does Solar Work?
Accessed August 7, 2026 · Source event date unavailable
Related GeoStellar pages
- GeoStellar homementions
- Solarmentions