The issue is power transmission. Wireless transmission has repeatedly been shown to be highly energy intensive and prone to severe loss the further you’re sending it, plus you still have to have a way to pick it up and convert it to electricity at a useful rate on the ground.
Solar irradiance above the atmosphere (i.e., in orbit) is 1360 W/m^2. At ground level, it’s 1120, so a loss of ~18% due to the atmosphere.
If transmission losses plus the massive costs of launch, keeping the panels cool (no conduction/convection in space), and maintenance add up to greater than 18%, it’s more efficient on the ground.
The issue is power transmission. Wireless transmission has repeatedly been shown to be highly energy intensive and prone to severe loss the further you’re sending it, plus you still have to have a way to pick it up and convert it to electricity at a useful rate on the ground.
Solar irradiance above the atmosphere (i.e., in orbit) is 1360 W/m^2. At ground level, it’s 1120, so a loss of ~18% due to the atmosphere.
If transmission losses plus the massive costs of launch, keeping the panels cool (no conduction/convection in space), and maintenance add up to greater than 18%, it’s more efficient on the ground.
The basic practicality of a microwave-based system was demonstrated in 2023, and it does work. However, they are suspiciously mum about efficiency.
https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/in-a-first-caltechs-space-solar-power-demonstrator-wirelessly-transmits-power-in-space