Australian scientists from the universities of Surrey and Swansea have concluded that it is possible to build solar power plants in space using cheap and lightweight solar cells. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Acta Astronautica.
The conclusion of experts is based on the results of an experiment in which a test satellite with silicon telluride solar panels spent six years in orbit, completing 30 thousand orbits around the Earth during this time.
The testing showed that lightweight solar cells are resistant to solar radiation and operate reliably in the harsh environment of space, although their power output decreases over time. Experts said the technology is commercially viable.
“This ultra-low-mass solar cell technology could lead to large, low-cost solar power plants deployed in space and returning clean energy to Earth. “We now have the first evidence that this technology works reliably in orbit,” said Professor Craig Underwood, who was involved in the research.
Previously, European Space Agency experts cooled down beer on Earth using cosmic energy.