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Frequency
The sun has a 10- to 12-year solar flare cycle. Approximately every 11 years, solar flare activity enters a new cycle. The most active time for solar flares is called the solar maximum. The largest flares are released during this time, and the frequency of detectable flares increases. The least active part of the cycle is the solar minimum.
Energy
Solar flares release radiation from various wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, from low-power radio waves to high-power x-rays and gamma rays. According to the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, "This energy is 10 million times greater than the energy released from a volcanic explosion. On the other hand, it is less than one-tenth of the total energy emitted by the sun every second."
Stages
Solar flares occur in three stages. In the precursor stage, a sudden release of magnetic energy results in emissions of low-energy x-rays. In the second or impulsive stage, protons and electrons accelerate to energies exceeding 1 million electron volts. In this stage, the flare emits radio waves, high-energy x-rays and gamma rays. The decay stage is characterized by the buildup and decay of low-energy x-rays. Stage duration can range from several seconds to a full hour.
Classification
Scientists classify solar flares by their brightness, or strength, in x-ray wavelengths. X-class flares are the most powerful type, and can cause radio blackouts on Earth. M-class flares have one-tenth the energy output of the X-class variety, and can cause minor radiation storms in Earth's atmosphere. C-class flares have one-tenth the output of M-class flares; their effects on Earth are minimal.