The process in which solar energy is converted to chemical energy is photosynthesis.

Here's how it works:

* Light-dependent reactions: Plants use chlorophyll (a green pigment) to capture light energy from the sun. This energy is used to split water molecules, releasing oxygen and producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate).

* Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): The ATP and NADPH generated in the light-dependent reactions are used to convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into glucose, a sugar that stores chemical energy.

This process is essential for life on Earth, as it provides the basis for most food chains.