太阳能

• Pinyin: tài yáng néng
• Hanzi breakdown: 太阳 = sun; 能 = energy — solar energy

Meaning

Solar energy; solar power. Energy derived from the sun's radiation.

A key renewable energy source. Common applications: 太阳能电池板 (solar panels), 太阳能热水器 (solar water heater), 太阳能发电 (solar power generation), 太阳能汽车 (solar-powered car). China is a global leader in solar panel manufacturing and deployment. Part of the broader 新能源 (new energy) sector.

Examples

1. 这个小区家家户户都安装了太阳能热水器。 Every household in this residential complex has installed solar water heaters.
2. 政府大力推广太阳能发电，减少碳排放。 The government vigorously promotes solar power generation to reduce carbon emissions.
3. 太阳能是一种清洁的可再生能源。 Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source.

Usage Guide

Context: energy, environment, technology

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 太阳能板需要定期清洁。(Solar panels need regular cleaning.)
• 太阳能越来越普及了。(Solar energy is becoming more and more popular.)

Don't Say

• 阳光不等于'太阳能' (Sunlight isn't the same as 太阳能 — 阳光 is sunlight; 太阳能 is the energy harnessed from it)

Origin & History

Compound of 太阳 (sun) + 能 (energy). Literally 'sun energy' = solar energy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal