Yes, wind energy is ultimately derived from the Sun. Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by solar radiation. When sunlight hits the Earth's surface, it is absorbed differently by different materials such as land, water, and vegetation. This differential heating creates temperature variations, and as air is a poor conductor of heat, the air near the surface is also heated unevenly.
As warm air rises, cooler air rushes in to replace it, creating movement or wind. This movement of air masses on a global scale is influenced by various factors such as the rotation of the Earth, the topography of the land, and the distribution of oceans and continents. The Sun's energy is the primary driver of this atmospheric circulation.
When it comes to harnessing wind energy, wind turbines are used to convert the kinetic energy of moving air (wind) into mechanical energy. The rotating blades of a wind turbine spin a generator, which then produces electricity. So, wind energy is essentially a form of indirect solar energy conversion.
It's worth noting that while wind energy is indirectly powered by the Sun, it is also influenced by other factors such as atmospheric conditions, local geography, and the Earth's rotation.