Solar panels are one of the cleanest ways we can produce energy without emitting greenhouse gases that are harmful to the world. Especially nowadays, when we say goodbye to fossil fuels, the importance of solar energy has increased even more. However, since the weather changes during the day, the efficiency of the solar panels changes at the same rate. But what if solar panels continued to produce energy throughout the day?
First serious step for solar panels in space
At this point, it is the most logical method to carry solar panels to space. Thus, the panels that will not be affected by changing weather conditions will be able to produce energy continuously. Continuing to work towards this goal, the Caltech company is taking the first steps towards a space-based solar energy project.
Starting off with the idea of solar panels in space, the company plans to send a 110-kilogram Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD) prototype into space today. With the satellite to be sent to space, the first concrete step for unlimited energy will be taken.
The ultimate goal within the scope of the project is to generate energy with solar panels with a width of approximately 1 kilometer and to transmit the produced energy to the world. It is planned to use radio waves to transmit energy to the world. Radio waves sent to the world will be converted into electricity at power plants.
The SSPD will begin its journey into orbit aboard the Momentus Vigoride spacecraft. When it reaches orbit, the satellite’s half-square meter mechanism will come into play. One mechanism will analyze how photovoltaic cells cope with the harsh environment of space, while the other will test the powertrain.
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