SolarB

SolarB is a proposed solar power satellite concept aiming to transmit electricity wirelessly from space to Earth. The fundamental idea involves deploying large solar arrays in orbit, converting sunlight into microwaves or lasers, and then beaming this energy to ground-based receiving stations. These stations would convert the received energy back into usable electricity.

The motivation behind SolarB is to overcome the intermittency of terrestrial solar power, which is dependent on daylight and weather conditions. A solar power satellite could theoretically capture sunlight continuously, providing a stable and reliable source of clean energy. This concept has been explored by various research institutions and private companies, with different designs and technological approaches being investigated.

Key challenges for SolarB include the immense cost of launching and assembling large structures in space, the efficiency of wireless power transmission over long distances, and ensuring the safety of the transmitted energy beams. Development is in the early research and conceptualization stages, with significant technological hurdles to overcome before practical implementation. The potential benefits, however, drive continued interest in this ambitious energy solution.