Space solar power generation: A viable system proposal and technoeconomic analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a distributed space solar power system that converts solar insolation into microwave power and beams it to Earth. This system, composed of a power station of close-flying modules residing in geostationary orbit, can form dynamically programmable focal points on Earth to provide dispatchable power on demand. Modules are composed of flexible phased array sheets hosting a self-synchronizing network of integrated circuits and antennas that convert DC power from photovoltaic cells into radiated RF energy. The sheets are coiled into a compact payload, launched, and deployed in orbit. Here, we present a detailed technoeconomic analysis of the proposed system, with investigations into mass, cost to produce and launch, and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Our analyses demonstrate that with 10 years of technology development, maturation, and scaling, the proposed 10 GHz system can deliver electricity at 9.4 ¢/kWh—competitive with the cheapest clean energy sources available today.