solar
SOH-ler
/ˈsoʊ.lər/
Relating to or determined by the sun, especially electricity or heat derived from radiant sunlight.
Can refer both broadly to astronomical features of the sun and specifically to energy technologies capturing sunlight.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'solaris', derived directly from 'sol', the Roman sun god and standard Latin word for sun. It entered Middle English through Old French to describe astronomical events before taking on modern technical meanings in energy production.
Word relationships
- heliacal: 'Heliacal' is a rare astronomical term specific to the sun's position relative to stars, unlike everyday 'solar'.
- lunar: Pertaining directly to the moon rather than the sun.
Commonly confused with
- photovoltaic: 'Solar' describes the solar energy source itself or general technology; 'photovoltaic' specifically describes the technology that converts light directly into electricity.
Word family
- insolation (noun): Exposure to the sun's rays.
Collocations
- solar power
- solar energy
- solar panel
- solar farm
Example sentences
- "Engineers installed rooftop solar panels across the industrial district to generate electricity directly during peak afternoon daylight hours." Energy Industry
Memory hook
SOLAR power comes from SOL, the ancient name for the sun. Straight from the sun.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'lunar', which relates exclusively to the moon.
Fun facts
- More solar energy strikes the Earth in one hour than the entire world population uses in a whole year.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.