It's always sunny in space: Michigan startup hopes to beam solar power to Earth

A Michigan startup, Virtus Solis Technologies, is working on a project to harness solar power from space, inspired by concepts from science fiction. The company plans to launch modular solar cells into orbit, creating large arrays that can beam energy back to Earth, potentially providing a continuous source of clean energy. CEO John Bucknell emphasizes that the technology for space-based solar power has existed since the 1970s, and advancements in launch costs and semiconductor fabrication have made this project more feasible. The startup has requested Michigan regulators to classify its technology as a renewable energy system. However, there are skeptics, including a NASA report that questioned the cost-effectiveness of space solar compared to terrestrial renewable sources. Bucknell argues that the report's assumptions were overly pessimistic. The company aims to have a pilot power plant operational by 2027, targeting clients like green hydrogen generators and data centers. While there are concerns about the safety and efficiency of wireless power transfer, Bucknell assures that the energy beams would be less intense than sunlight. The project faces challenges, including high costs and the durability of solar panels in space. Despite these hurdles, interest in space-based solar power is growing, with other organizations also exploring similar technologies. Bucknell believes that as climate change intensifies, the urgency for alternative energy sources will increase, potentially accelerating the adoption of space-based solar power.