There has been much scepticism surrounding the possible solar cycle influence on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) because the signal is so intermittent. A brief overview of mechanisms for 11-year solar cycle influences on climate will be given, with emphasis on mechanisms that involve UV radiation modulation and its influence on stratospheric ozone. Observations show a solar cycle signal in mean sea level pressure and sea surface temperatures over the North Atlantic sector that lags the forcing by approximately a quarter cycle (3-4 years) and projects onto the NAO. A possible mechanism for this amplified, lagged response has been proposed involving an interaction with the ocean mixed layer. The analysis provides a plausible explanation for the intermittency of the solar cycle – NAO relationship, although there is still much that we don’t understand.