Solar Power from Space Still Off in the Distance

For decades, there has been a “space race” of sorts going on behind the scenes. Researchers and scientists have been working to develop a way to effectively and efficiently harness solar energy straight from space. Yet, even as solar technology advances here on Earth, solar power from space is still off in the distance.

Is solar power from space on the horizon?

Blame a lack of funding, rather than innovation. The United States, Europe and Japan have developed projects that would beam solar power from space, where the sun is constantly shining and is not filtered by the atmosphere or weather patterns. However, in order to test and implement them requires a great deal of capital that governments simply do not have.

According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA):

“High-accuracy beam control technologies both for microwave and laser power transmission, construction of large space structures (kilometer-scale), and low-cost space transportation are the major challenges.”

Not only is expense a major hurdling block, but there is not consensus on the best way to transmit the collected solar power back to Earth. Solaren Corp. will use microwaves to supply solar power for utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric by 2016, but laser beams are the preferred method of Europe’s EADS Astrium.

Solar energy above the atmosphere can be transmitted to Earth

Once we finally agree on a method to transmit solar power from space, addressing the… um… “sky high” costs is the next step. Yet, a recent cost analysis by JAXA and another Japanese space agency, the Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer, determined that space-based solar power might eventually cost only 10 to 20 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), which would make it competitive with fossil fuels.

But we’re talking at least 20 years from now, according to the agency. Don’t expect a viable space solar power system until the 2030s at the earliest.

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