# Sunlight

Radiant energy from the Sun reaching Earth; the origin of almost every other source.

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/

Natural sources · Solar-derived flows · No. 1

- Natural sources
- Origin: Direct solar
- Renewable: Yes
 Natural sources · Solar-derived flows · Foundation · Energy

The sunlight striking Earth is thousands of times all the energy humanity uses, yet solar power supplied about 1.3% in 2024.

Chart: Illustration: Sunlight

##### Where it comes from

Chart: Map of where it comes from

Fusion in the Sun's core sends out light that arrives at about 1,361 W per square metre above the air; it is the root of almost every other energy source.

##### Three things to know

1. Practical solar output differs by slightly less than a factor of two between Namibia, the best country, and Ireland, the worst.
2. Mexico could match its yearly electricity use by covering only about 0.1% of its land with solar farms.
3. The Sun is remarkably steady: its output changes by only about 0.1% over its 11-year cycle.

##### The journey

1. 1 **Sun's core**Nuclear fusion releases radiant energy
2. 2 **Top of atmosphere**About 1,361 W per square metre arrives
3. 3 **Ground**Averages only about 161 W/m2 absorbed
4. 4 **Collectors**Panels, mirrors, heat collectors and windows
5. 5 **Uses**Electricity, heat, daylight and growing plants

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## Other sections

- [Overview](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/overview/index.md)
- [Correlation](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/correlation/index.md)
- [How energy resides](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/resides/index.md)
- [Abundance](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/abundance/index.md)
- [Fluctuation in time](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/time/index.md)
- [Across the Earth](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/geography/index.md)
- [Impact on nature](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/nature/index.md)
- [Relationships](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_sunlight/links/index.md)