We study the Sun as an extended source of gamma-ray emission, produced by inverse-Compton scattering of cosmic-ray electrons with the solar radiation. This emission contributes to the diffuse gamma-ray background even at large angular distances from the Sun. While this emission is expected to be readily detectable by the upcoming gamma-ray satellite GLAST, the situation for available EGRET data is more challenging. Analyzing the EGRET database, we find clear evidence for the emission from the Sun and its vicinity, compatible with our predictions. The model for solar gamma-ray production has been implemented taking into account the the solar modulation of cosmic-ray electrons, and observations of this process are promising to study the solar modulation of electrons as a function of distance from the Sun.

Proceedings of the 30th International Cosmic Ray Conference; Rogelio Caballero, Juan Carlos D'Olivo, Gustavo Medina-Tanco, Lukas Nellen, Federico A. Sánchez, José F. Valdés-Galicia (eds.); Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico, 2008; Vol. 1 (SH), pages 11-14