Solar energy is the radiant energy from the Sun 's light and heat, which can be harnessed using a range of technologies such as solar electricity, solar thermal energy (including solar water heating) and solar architecture. Concentrated. This section covers the fundamentals—how solar energy works, where it comes from, and why it's become one of the most important energy sources in the world. Simple, clear answers to get you started. 048 per kWh at utility scale, making it the cheapest electricity source in many regions without requiring subsidies.