The concept is elegantly simple: solar panels in geostationary orbit collect sunlight continuously, convert it to microwave or laser energy, beam it to Earth-based receivers (called rectennas), which convert it back to electricity and feed it into power grids. . Space-based solar power (SBSP or SSP) is the concept of collecting solar power in outer space with solar power satellites (SPS) and distributing it to Earth. Did You Know? Every hour, more solar energy reaches the Earth than humans use in a year. This isn't science fiction anymore. Erik Gregersen is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. .
[PDF Version]
