Space Based Solar Power

Solar is still the hottest renewable energy source, although producing only 2.3% of the nation's total electricity. The truth is that if we could properly harvest all of the energy that the sun produces, we could more than meet our entire energy needs. The energy that the earth generally needs over the course of a year is produced in one hour when the sun shines on it. Although harvesting all of that may never be possible, we can undoubtedly improve upon our current methods. improved coverage using more effective energy collection techniques.

Perhaps leaving Earth behind is the answer. After all, we can only see the sun from the ground when it is daytime and the weather is suitable. If you're facing the right way once you escape the atmosphere, there is only sun. CalTech intends to deploy an array into space in 2022 or 2023 with the sole purpose of collecting solar energy. Solar cells that are small and light are now technically possible. It's not necessary to spend billions of dollars and occupy a large area of space in the sky to build an orbiting platform.

Technology is more accessible and more affordable than it ever was since the commercial world joined the space race. We might just be a few years away from developing a comparatively affordable array that can beam power down to earth via microwaves.