University researchers claim solar farms in space are ‘commercially viable’ – EQ

Researchers from both the University of Surrey and University of Swansea have concluded that solar farms in space are a possibility after a six-year study project.

New research from both universities now claims it is viable to produce low-cost, lightweight solar panels that can generate energy in space and will be commercially viable to provide energy to electricity grids around the world. Solar panels have previously been used to power satellites but not to provide energy for Earth.

The discovery follows the first study of its kind in which the researchers followed a satellite over six years, observing how the panels generated power and weathered solar radiation over 30,000 orbits of the Earth.

Researchers from the University of Swansea’s Centre for Solar Energy Research developed new solar cells from cadmium telluride. The panels cover a larger area, are more lightweight and provide far greater power than current technology, as well as being relatively cheap to manufacture, according to the centre.

To complement this technology, scientists from the University of Surrey designed instruments that measured their performance in orbit. The satellite itself was designed and built at the Surrey Space Centre in partnership with a team of trainee engineers from the Algerian Space Agency.

Although the cells’ power output became less efficient over time, researchers involved in the project believe their findings prove that solar power satellites work and could be commercially viable.

University of Surrey Surrey Space Centre professor of spacecraft engineering Craig Underwood said: “We are very pleased that a mission designed to last one year is still working after six. This detailed data show the panels have resisted radiation and their thin-film structure has not deteriorated in the harsh thermal and vacuum conditions of space.

“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.”

University of Swansea Solar Photovoltaic Academic Research Consortium project manager Dan Lamb said: “A successful flight test of this novel thin film solar cell payload has leveraged funding opportunities to further develop this technology.

“Large area solar arrays for space applications are a rapidly expanding market and demonstrations such as this help to build on the UK’s world class reputations for space technology.”