We study, by using a wavelet decomposition methodology, the solar signature on global surface temperature data using the ACRIM total solar irradiance satellite composite by Willson and Mordvinov. These data present a +0.047%/decade trend between minima during solar cycles 21--23 (1980--2002). We estimate that the ACRIM upward trend might have minimally contributed ~10--30% of the global surface temperature warming over the period 1980--2002.