Sunlight: Overview
The source behind nearly every other energy on Earth
What this tile covers Radiant energy from the Sun reaching Earth; the origin of almost every other source. Share of use 1.6% share of world energy supply (2024)Share of world total energy supply, 2024 (latest year where noted). Denominator is the Energy Institute Statistical Review 2025 total of 592.2 EJ (physical energy content method). Flows EI omits (traditional biomass via WBA, solar and geothermal heat, food energy) are set against the same 592.2 EJ, so shares sum to slightly more than 100%. Solar electricity 2,131 TWh (7.67 EJ, EI) plus solar thermal heat 443 TWh (1.59 EJ, IEA SHC), over 592.2 EJ (calculated). Solar heat is outside EI's total. Source: Statistical Review of World Energy 2025 (74th edition), Energy Institute.
Key facts
| Origin | Direct solar |
| Renewable | Yes |
Included from the reference tables
- Solar PV
- Solar thermal
- Concentrated solar power
- Passive solar and daylighting
Also in Solar-derived flows
Wd WindH2O Water cycleWv Ocean wavesOc Ocean currentsOT Ocean thermal gradientSal Salinity gradientBm BiomassAmb Ambient heatMu Muscle powerExplore paths from here
More on this tile in the tabs above: how energy resides, abundance, fluctuation in time, across the earth, impact on nature.