The biggest issue most homeowners have with solar panels is the sun angle. Because many homes can’t shift their angle towards a sunnier disposition (pun intended), it’s challenging for some homes and properties to get the ideal solar energy amount to enter their property. Some swivel solar panel designs can solve this issue, but it’s still a band-aid solution to a huge problem.
Today, mainstream interest has led many groups and manufacturers to band together and throw together new ideas that would help solar energy reach new heights and get widely accepted. Groundbreaking research into perovskite for a much more affordable and lightweight solar panel design is one product. Another is GAF’s outstanding solar shingles, roofing materials with solar energy collecting capabilities almost similar to conventional solar panels.
Researchers in the past and present continue to look at unparalleled solar facing angles to solve the enormous angle problem. Many have proposed designs for a solar energy factory in the form of a gigantic satellite that streams solar energy back to earth through wireless high-frequency radio waves. It’s a fascinating study with enormous potential to create a world with affordable energies. Learn more about it from Inverse’s feature.
The United Kingdom is reportedly considering a £16 billion ($21 billion) proposal to build a solar power station in space.
Yes, you read that right. Space-based solar power is one of the technologies to feature in the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. It has been identified as a potential solution, alongside others, to enable the U.K. to achieve net-zero by 2050.
But how would a solar power station in space work? What are the advantages and drawbacks of this technology?
Space-based solar power involves collecting solar energy in space and transferring it to Earth. While the idea itself is not new, recent technological advances have made this prospect more achievable.
The space-based solar power system involves a solar power satellite — an enormous spacecraft equipped with solar panels. These panels generate electricity, which is then wirelessly transmitted to Earth through high-frequency radio waves. A ground antenna, called a rectenna, is used to convert the radio waves into electricity, which is then delivered to the power grid.
A space-based solar power station in orbit is illuminated by the Sun 24 hours a day and could therefore generate electricity continuously. This represents an advantage over terrestrial solar power systems (systems on Earth), which can produce electricity only during the day and depend on the weather.
With global energy demand projected to increase by nearly 50 percent by 2050, space-based solar power could be key to helping meet the growing demand on the world’s energy sector and tackling global temperature rise. (Continue reading here to learn more)
For the meantime, traditional solar panels are the best options for any property. If you need a solar panel system installed in Golden, CO, you can always count on us at Roper Roofing & Solar. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.
