The tiny portion of the sun's energy that reaches the earth in one year is approximately 10,000 times the energy consumption of humankind during that same period. Absorbed in the atmosphere and on the surface of the earth, it is responsible for the temperature range that enables our diverse ecosystems to exist, and also for a significant portion of the available renewable and fossil energy supplies. Featuring 30 authoritative, peer-reviewed entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, this volume presents fundamental principles and cutting-edge technologies for sustainably harnessing this vital resource. Sections on photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, and solar radiation provide a comprehensive introduction for those new to these fields, as well as new insights for advanced researchers and industry experts.