The program behind Space Based Solar Energy is to send satellites in orbit around earth equipped with solar panels to collect the sun's energy, thereby converting it to microwaves which are sent back to earth to be picked up by unique by a special antenna named a "rectenna." It sends it in to our homes as energy. In the early 70's study began for the duration of the initial power crisis. The science has continued working on the project over the past couple of decades and have created initial study models to determine the feasibility.
The Move Forward
A new report was released November 15th from the International Academy of Astronautics that states that there could be a operating space based solar energy platform in just 20 years, with enough energy getting produced for the entire globe in just 30. This is superb news for the space solar energy researchers. That is just about 60 yrs immediately after its discovery. If they get going on it, seriously this time we may well have it.. China who is leading the world in solar panel manufacturing has also been working on Space based Solar energy they are projecting having satellites in orbit by 2025. The space race is on once again?
Positive elements to contemplate:
It would eliminate the concern more than plant and wildlife habitats. The desert locations have been proposed to hold sizeable arrays of solar collectors and have been met with complaints of visual obstruction and wild life issues. As soon as the space transmitters were in spot they could, by remote, send extra energy for emergency services or military operations.
The Science of It
When employing surface solar panels the suns rays are filtered via the atmosphere via the effects of reflection and absorption. A solar panel in space absorbs the rays with no obstruction of any type. Consequently the satellite would energy itself from the sun and run the microwave transmitter or possibly a laser emitter.
The Negative
A lot of voices of descent say it will be $10 billion for just a single, but no one particular seems to know how much for positive. Another estimate was two billion and some say that is just too substantially for the return on investment. Speculation goes on. Once they are operational, at any price tag, the value is unlimited.
A different drawback to be regarded in the cost equation is the current satellite launchers are way to pricey to use. So creation of new even more helpful launchers is necessary.
Once they are active and transmitting enough electricity to power the globe I have to wonder who will be in manage of the cost of power and will it be affordable sufficient. Shouldn't the electricity rates go down. Not most likely, there might not be significantly maintenance but the initial investment will most likely fall in the laps of the typical person as the corporations reap the profits.
I will keep my individual solar energy up and operating just in case its not a fine deal.
