About 51% of the solar energy that reaches Earth passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by the Earth's surface.

Here's a breakdown:

* 30% is reflected back into space by clouds, the atmosphere, and the Earth's surface.

* 20% is absorbed by the atmosphere, primarily by clouds and gases like ozone and water vapor.

* 50% reaches the Earth's surface, with about half of that being absorbed and the other half reflected back into the atmosphere.

Therefore, about 51% of the incoming solar energy is ultimately absorbed by the Earth's surface.