solar

adjective

so·​lar ˈsō-lər 

-ˌlär

1

: of, derived from, relating to, or caused by the sun

2

: measured by the earth's course in relation to the sun

a solar year

also : relating to or reckoned by solar time

3

a

: produced or operated by the action of the sun's light or heat

solar energy

b

: utilizing the sun's rays especially to produce heat or electricity

a solar house

also : of or relating to such utilization

solar design

Examples of solar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2024, solar power generated 11% of EU electricity, overtaking coal, which fell below 10% for the first time. —Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025

This solar energy heats the surface of the Earth to produce changes in temperature and weather. —Rhett Allain, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2025

But applying the pause to renewables broadly is an escalation — pausing solar energy action as well. —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 24 Jan. 2025

In 2022, Berkshire Hathaway Energy bypassed West Virginia’s Public Service Commission, the utility regulator in the state, on a $500 million solar power and industrial plant project. —Greg Robinson, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin solaris, from sol sun; akin to Old English & Old Norse sōl sun, Lithuanian saulė, Greek hēlios

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing solar

• mean solar day
• solar battery
• solar cell
• solar collector
• solar constant
• solar day
• solar eclipse
• solar farm
• solar flare
• solar mass
• solar panel
• solar park
• solar plexus
• solar pond
• solar sail
• solar system
• solar wind
• the solar plexus

Kids Definition

solar

adjective

so·​lar ˈsō-lər 

-ˌlär

1

: of, derived from, relating to, or caused by the sun

2

: measured by the earth's course in relation to the sun

solar time

solar year

3

a

: produced or operated by the action of the sun's light or heat

solar energy

b

: using the sun's rays especially to produce heat or electricity

a solar house

Etymology

Middle English solar "derived from or related to the sun," from Latin solaris (same meaning), from sol "sun" — related to sunday see Word History at sunday