Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP): The Next Big Thing in Renewable Energy?

Imagine a future where sunlight isn’t limited by clouds or nightfall, where it’s collected in space, far above Earth’s atmosphere. This is the promise of space-based solar power (SBSP). As energy demands rise and the pressure to shift away from fossil fuels increases, SBSP is gradually moving from a theoretical concept to a developing field—supported by early-stage experiments, growing interest, and international exploration.

1. Always-on renewable energy – Solar power on Earth has its limits. But in space, sunlight is constant. Space-based solar power can always capture energy, providing a steady and reliable power source all day, in any weather conditions.
2. Massive demand growth – Driven by rising energy demand and the need for renewables, SBSP is projected to become a $4.7 billion market by 2030, especially in remote settings.
3. Energy security – Unaffected by weather or disruptions on Earth, it is ideal for powering remote operations, military bases, and disaster relief efforts.
4. Grid stability – Unlike wind and solar, SBSP offers steady, controllable power. This helps balance the grid and reduces the need for costly storage and fossil fuel backups.

Space-based solar starts with huge solar panels placed in space, either closer to Earth or farther out where they stay in the same spot above us. These panels come in various designs, from giant reflectors to smaller, connected parts, all working together to capture sunlight.

Once the sunlight is collected, the energy is turned into microwave or laser beams and sent down to Earth, where ground antennas called rectennas receive and convert it back into electricity. These rectenna farms can span hundreds of meters, delivering clean energy from space into our energy systems.

Across the globe, space-based solar power is moving from vision to reality.

ESA’s SOLARIS program is paving the way in Europe, with plans to test orbital systems by 2030 and potentially power up to a third of the continent by 2040.

In the UK, Space Solar is developing Merlin, which aims to power 45,000 homes by the end of the decade.

Caltech’s MAPLE experiment in the U.S. has already achieved a breakthrough, successfully beaming microwave energy from space.

Meanwhile, Japan’s OHISAMA is set to launch in 2025. This satellite will beam enough energy to power a few household appliances.

While space-based solar power is promising, it also faces challenges. Launching and building massive systems in space can be expensive. The technology must become cheaper and more efficient to compete with Earth-based solar.

In space, the equipment must withstand extreme heat, cold, and floating debris. On Earth, issues like land use, regulations, and public acceptance still need to be addressed.

There are also energy conversion and transmission losses. It’s estimated that only about 10–15% of the original solar energy reaches the ground after passing through all system stages, making efficiency a key challenge for SBSP’s commercial use.

Another concern is space traffic. Earth’s orbits are already crowded with satellites, raising the risk of collisions, signal interference, and complications in managing orbital operations.

Since the technology is still in its early stages, it’ll take time before it goes mainstream. From an investor’s perspective, this signals the need for deeper insight into its long-term potential, timelines, and realistic expectations.

While space-based solar power is still in development, conventional solar energy continues to grow rapidly. It’s already powering homes, businesses, and even vehicles—making clean energy more accessible.

Take commercial transport, for example. Companies like Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF) are building solar-powered vehicles that charge as they move, easing the pressure on charging networks and cutting emissions along the way.

So even as we look to space for future energy, solar is already playing a significant role in meeting today’s energy needs.

Space-based solar power may take time, but it’s becoming increasingly possible. With growing investment, it could change how we power the world—cleanly and consistently. In the coming decades, SBSP could help end our dependency on fossil fuels, reduce energy geopolitics, and deliver clean electricity on a global scale.