Building Solar Farms in Space Possible: Scientists

According to scientists, they have proved for the first time that space Large solar farms can be built, which means a potentially unlimited supply of clean energy is possible.

A team from the University of Surrey and the University of Swansea observed a satellite in orbit for six years to see how the panels produced electricity while withstanding solar radiation and the harsh conditions of space.

The satellite was designed by the Surrey Space Center in collaboration with a team of engineers trained by the Algerian Space Agency.

The cells were made from thin-film cadmium telluride, which acts as a semiconductor material deposited on ultra-thin glass.

With new solar technology, lightweight panels can be made that produce more electricity and are relatively cost-effective.

A research paper reported that the team collected their evidence in 30,000 orbits. Although the cell’s power output decreased over time, (still) the researchers believe their results proved that Solar energy satellites are operational and may be commercially viable.

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Craig Underwood, emeritus professor of spacecraft engineering at the University of Surrey, said: ‘We are delighted that a mission designed to last for one year is still working after six years.

‘These detailed data show that the panels resisted radiation and their thin-film structure did not deteriorate under the harsh thermal and vacuum conditions of space.’

The researchers said further improvements are needed but ‘this flight has demonstrated the fundamental robustness of the technology for use in space.’

The US Department of Energy says the sun About as much energy reaches the Earth every hour as humans use in a year, and about one-third is reflected back into space.

Since there are no clouds or night in space, satellite-based solar panels can be far more efficient at capturing and transmitting energy than renewable infrastructure on Earth.