Climate & Environment
Solar Energy
Definition
Solar energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity or heat, principally through photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar power (CSP), and solar thermal for water and space heating. PV has become the cheapest source of new electricity generation in much of the world, having fallen in cost by around 90% since 2010; solar now accounts for the majority of new power capacity added globally each year and is central to every credible decarbonisation pathway.
References
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This reference provides supporting context for how “Solar Energy” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
The concept structures energy policy and auctions, corporate renewable procurement, off-grid energy access, and IEA and IPCC decarbonisation scenarios where solar is the backbone generation source.
Why it matters
Solar energy is the workhorse of the energy transition — the technology that turned climate targets from aspiration into economics.