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. It is an essential source of renewable energy, and its technologies are broadly characterized. The Earth receives 174 (PW) of incoming solar radiation () at the upper. Approximately 30% is reflected back to space. Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. The. and seek to optimize the capture of solar energy to optimize the productivity of plants. Techniques such as timed planting cycles, tailored row orientation,. Solar chemical processes use solar energy to drive chemical reactions. These processes offset energy that would otherwise come from a. Solar thermal technologies can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling and process heat generation.Early commercial adaptationIn 1878, at the Universal Exposition in Paris, successfully demonstrated a solar. Sunlight has influenced building design since the beginning of architectural history. Advanced solar architecture and urban planning methods were first employed by the Development of a solar-powered car has been an engineering goal since the 1980s. The is a biannual solar-powered car race,.