sol-, soli-, solo- +

(Latin: sun)

solar degradation
A deterioration of materials which is produced by their exposures to solar energy.
solar desalination
The conversion of brackish water, or salt water, to useful fresh water by direct utilization of solar energy; such as, a "solar still".
solar detoxification
The use of chemical reactions driven by solar radiation to break down contaminant molecules in the air or the water; that is, the detoxification of water through thermal chemical reactions driven by the heat generated by concentrating solar collectors.
solar dish
A system that uses a mirrored dish to collect and concentrate solar radiation onto a receiver, which absorbs the heat and transfers it to a fluid within an engine.

The heat causes the fluid to expand against a piston or a turbine to produce mechanical power, which in turn can be used to run a generator or an alternator to produce electricity.

solar disinfection
A technology employed to improve the quality of drinking water, by the use of solar radiation to destroy pathogenic micro-organisms that can cause water-borne diseases.
solar distillation
A technology employed to purify water by means of solar energy; for example, a solar collector is used to heat water, which evaporates and then condenses.

As the water evaporates, only the water vapor rises, leaving contaminants behind.

solar economy
An economy based on the use of solar power; as well as, other renewable forms of energy that replace the use of fossil fuels.
solar electricity, solar electric power
A method of producing electricity from solar energy by using focused sunlight to heat a working fluid, which in turn drives a turbo-generator.
solar energy equivalent
A statement of the amount of energy received from the sun in terms of some conventional energy unit; such as, kilowatt-hours, barrels of oil, tons of coal, etc.; used to describe the relative ability of solar energy to fulfill contemporary energy requirements as compared to fossil fuel sources.
solar energy, solar power, solar electricity
1. Useful energy that is immediately derived from the sun; for example, a system that collects and uses the heat of the sun to warm a building or to generate electricity.
2. In the larger sense, any energy source that can be ultimately traced to the action of the sun.
solar engine
A general term for any power source that is driven by solar energy; such as, a system of solar panels used to power an electric propulsion system.
solar façade (fuh SAHD)
A surface or feature of a building that is specifically designed and built to gain solar energy for heat and power; such as through the use of silicon solar panels.
solar film
A window glazing coating, usually tinted gray or bronze, used to reduce building cooling loads, glare, and fabric fading.
solar flare
A region of exceptionally high temperature and brightness that suddenly develops in the solar chromosphere near a sunspot. It is often associated with magnetic field activities.
solar fuel
1. A term for the use of "solar energy" rather than a "conventional fuel" as an energy source; for example, to produce electricity.
2. The use of a solar energy system to provide high-temperature process heat for the production of storable and transportable fuels; such as, the production of hydrogen from the thermal dissociation of water.

Related "sun" word family: helio-.