The idea of harvesting solar power from space has been circulating for quite some time.  The advantages are obvious – constant sunlight independent of weather conditions; so, what we normally factor into the feasibility of solar panels on Earth – such as the geographic region, weather patterns, and equipment placement – no longer applies.  Given such ideal conditions, it’s no surprise that the solar energy in space is ten times that on Earth, making solar satellites sound like a not-half-bad idea.

In an announcement last Tuesday, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and IHI Corporation are teaming up with 14 other companies to develop a solar power generator based in outer space.  The project, led by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), will consist of four square kilometers of solar satellites housed 36,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

The technology in development will be able to convert the harnessed energy into radio frequency energy, and then wirelessly transmit it to a receiving station back on Earth, erasing the need for any cables.  Its completion is set for 2030 with the launch of its first prototype set for 2015, and is estimated to generate one gigawatt of energy, enough to power nearly 300,000 homes.

The project, however, comes with a hefty price tag, costing an estimated $21 billion.  And, of course there is the issue of whether the energy these solar panels can generate is worth that of the energy and costs to produce and transport them into space.  A fan of the idea, but I’m on the fence when it comes to feasibility.  What do you think?