Space Based Solar Power (SBSP): An emerging technology

Abstract

This study presents Space Based Solar Power, an emerging technology which is under a heavy research phase. Here geosynchronous satellites are used for collecting sunlight, harnessing it to produce solar power and transmitting the generated power back to Earth using Wireless power transmission (WPT), safely and reliably. The advantage of placing solar cells in space is the 24 hour availability of sunlight. Also the urgency of finding an alternative energy source due to the depleting energy resources on earth calls for Space Based Solar Power. Here we study the concept of Solar Power Satellites (SPS), investigate the feasibility of implementation, the overall architecture & the underlying components. The results highlight the effectiveness of this system as an environment friendly, low-loss and large-scale method of energy transfer.