Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of technologies such as solar power to generate electricity, solar thermal energy, and solar architecture. Solar energy is a renewable resource, and many technologies can harvest it directly for use in homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.

The total amount of solar energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world's current and anticipated energy requirements. Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in the USA.