Space Based Solar Power for Renewable Energy

The Sun on the Earth.
Space solar power (U.S. Space-based solar power, SSP), a term closely related to solar power satellites is the conversion of gained solar energy in space in any other type of energy (mainly electricity), which can be used in the space or can be transmitted to Earth. Since the mid-twentieth century photovoltaic panels have been used in space aboard space satellites to generate from the sunlight the electricity needed for its operation. The novelty of the concept of SSP is the idea of acquiring power on a large scale in space and transmitting it to Earth for consumption on the surface of the planet.

Solar energy is a renewable energy and inexhaustible source and therefore has the potential to resolve the socio-economic and environmental problems associated with dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Space solar power presents pros and cons compared to other energy sources, especially regarding its earthling alternative. The use of panels in space is much better than the panels on land, since the former are not affected by the attenuation of solar radiation on the Earth’s atmosphere or by night phases, nevertheless the solar energy must be transmitted over long distances resulting on energy losses. Furthermore, the space solar power would have the advantage of being located outside the earth ecological system, creating virtually no waste once it is in operation.
The biggest obstacles to develop SSP systems is the high cost of placing the panels in orbit and some technical barriers, especially the low efficiency of photovoltaic cells when working at high temperatures and the difficulty of transferring solar energy to the surface of the Earth. Since the late nineteenth century when the theoretical foundations of photovoltaic technology were laid, the development of all involved technologies has been remarkable. At present, teams of researchers in Europe, U.S. and Japan are working to make this technology possible someday.

For the SSP several possible applications have been proposed as well as various technological options, such as the type of satellite or frequency of energy to Earth. Likewise, questions such as possible environmental effects from the solar energy transmission to Earth, the life expectancy of the panels in space, the return of the investment on time and the role the moon could play still do not have a clear answer.

The main beneficiaries of such technology feat would be that many communities could use the space solar power for their energy networks. Terrestrial solar power stations already exist throughout the world. But sunlight is eight times less intense on the earth’s surface than its geostationary orbit. So why not to pick it up in space and direct its energy to Earth via microwave energy rays that can penetrate the atmosphere more efficiently?, U.S. researchers are asking.

These researchers have proposed mega satellites – possibly giant inflatable structures of photovoltaic dishes and antennas – that would do just that. At the receiving stations on Earth, the beam could be converted into electricity or synthetic fuels, which, in contrast with the energy of terrestrial solar power stations, would flow continuously to the network regardless of the season, climate or location.

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