Space solar panels could deliver near-continuous power, study finds

A recent study led by King’s College London highlights the potential of space-based solar panels to revolutionize Europe’s clean energy future by providing near-continuous power generation. Unlike Earth-based solar panels, which are limited by daily and seasonal sunlight variations, space solar panels positioned in orbit can continuously face the sun, harnessing higher solar radiation and generating power almost 99% of the year. The study modeled Europe’s 2050 energy grid using two NASA-designed technologies: the Innovative Heliostat Swarm, which uses autonomous reflectors and could reduce battery storage needs by over 70%, and the Mature Planar Array, a simpler fixed-panel design with 60% operational time but higher technological readiness. Together, these technologies could reduce Europe’s reliance on terrestrial wind and solar power by up to 80% and lower total grid costs by 7 to 15%. Despite these promising benefits, significant economic and technological challenges remain. For space solar power to be cost-effective, the annual costs of the