Space-Based Solar Power vs Terrestrial Solar

Simulation speed

Simulated days / second 0.25

Instantaneous power

🛰️ Space station (beamed)0 MW

☀️ Terrestrial farm0 MW

Cumulative energy delivered

Space (MWh)

Terrestrial (MWh)

Simulated time

Day 0.0

Status

—

Space cumulative Terrestrial cumulative

Same rated capacity, same ground location. The satellite tracks the Sun and beams microwave power to the rectenna almost continuously — the ground farm only produces during daylight, and less under passing clouds.

Microwave beam Terrestrial solar farm Rectenna (receiver)

Day 0.0