Solar energy is received by the earth through radiation. Radiation refers to the transfer of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. In the case of solar energy, the sun emits electromagnetic waves, including visible light and heat, which travel through space without the need for any medium to transfer the energy. These waves reach the earth`s atmosphere and surface, where they are absorbed or reflected. The absorbed solar radiation is then converted into heat energy, which warms the earth and its atmosphere. Conduction, convection, and refraction are not the primary means by which solar energy is received by the earth. Conduction refers to the transfer of heat through direct contact, convection involves the movement of heated particles, and refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different materials.