Satellite mission shows viability of space-based solar farms

The first study of its kind from the Universities of Surrey and Swansea followed a satellite over six years, observing how the panels generated power and weathered the rigours of space after over 30,000 orbits. 

The findings, detailed in Acta Astronautica, could pave the way for commercially viable solar farms in space.

In a statement, Professor Craig Underwood, Emeritus Professor of Spacecraft Engineering at the Surrey Space Centre at Surrey University, said: “This ultra-low mass solar cell technology could lead to large, low-cost solar power stations deployed in space, bringing clean energy back to Earth – and now we have the first evidence that the technology works reliably in orbit." 

According to the team’s paper, space based solar power (SBSP) stations will require large area, lightweight, solar photovoltaic arrays that will provide far greater power than is currently available.

The team said that these arrays will need to use solar cells which have a much higher specific power and lower cost per watt than current space-rated solar PV technologies.