The scientists at the California Institute of Technology have achieved remarkable results in the one-year “Space Solar Power Project” testing the feasibility of transmitting solar energy from space to Earth via a satellite on a commercial scale. The project achieved success in all three initial experiments, including testing a new origami-inspired structure for solar panels, different designs for cells, and a microwave transmission device.
The concept of transmitting solar arrays from space to deliver clean, renewable energy to Earth via microwaves has been present for over 50 years. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) previously announced plans to establish a commercial space-based solar energy farm by 2025, while the European Space Agency is also pursuing a similar development under the “Solaris” program.
The recent success of the “Space Solar Power Project” represents the first-ever successful model of collecting solar energy from a photovoltaic cell in space and transmitting it back to Earth.
Despite this success, there are several challenges that must be overcome before space solar energy becomes commercially viable. These challenges include reducing material costs, ensuring the panels’ resistance to harsh space radiation, and further improving efficiency.
Researchers worldwide are working on innovations to overcome these obstacles. For instance, the University of Pennsylvania has discovered a method that doubles the efficiency of lightweight solar cells, and the University of Sydney has invented a self-healing solar panel capable of fully recovering from damages caused by exposure to space radiation.
Scientists believe that regular importing of solar energy from space is now a feasible endeavor and, with ongoing research and technological advancements, it will become a crucial solution for sustainable energy.
