Solar energy uses the sun's power to produce electricity and heat for a variety of purposes. It is a renewable energy source that is expanding quickly and is sustainable. This chapter offers a review of solar energy and the wide range of applications it can be used for. It focuses on the underlying ideas behind solar energy conversion, including photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies, and examines the benefits these technologies have for the environment and the economy. Solar thermal systems absorb the sun's heat to create steam that powers turbines that generate electricity or heat water for space heating. Photovoltaic technology uses semiconductor materials to convert sunlight directly into electricity. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness of both technologies have significantly improved in recent years. With a focus on its potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change, and lessen reliance on limited fossil fuel supplies, solar energy has some positive environmental effects. Comparing solar energy systems to other energy sources, they leave less of a carbon footprint. The chapter also emphasizes how solar energy can be used for decentralized energy production for household, commercial, and industrial uses in addition to large-scale electricity generation. Examples of the adaptability of solar energy include rooftop solar panels, solar-powered water heaters, and off-grid installations in distant locations. It offers a thorough analysis of solar energy and its uses, emphasizing its revolutionary potential in the global shift to clean and sustainable energy sources.