A new study led by King’s College London suggests that space-based solar panels could be a game-changer for Europe’s clean energy future. By harvesting solar energy directly from orbit, Europe could reduce its reliance on Earth-based wind and solar power by up to 80% and cut total grid costs by 7–15% by 2050.

Figure 1. NASA’s Space Solar Designs

Continuous Power from Space

According to senior author Wei He, the main advantage of space solar power is its ability to generate electricity almost continuously. “In space, solar panels can be positioned to always face the sun, allowing for nearly uninterrupted energy production,” he said. Combined with higher solar radiation in orbit, this approach is far more efficient than terrestrial panels, which are limited by day-night cycles and seasonal changes. Figure 1 shows NASA’s Space Solar Designs

Two NASA-Inspired Designs

The study modeled Europe’s 2050 energy grid using two NASA-designed technologies: the Innovative Heliostat Swarm and the Mature Planar Array.

• Heliostat Swarm: Uses autonomous reflectors to focus sunlight onto a concentrator. It could operate 99% of the year, reduce battery storage needs by over 70%, and outperform wind and solar power by mid-century.
• Planar Array: A simpler, fixed-panel system that operates 60% of the year. While less efficient, it has higher technological readiness and could serve as a near-term demonstration platform.

The authors recommend a dual approach, starting with the Planar Array to validate and refine technologies while simultaneously advancing R&D on the Heliostat Swarm for continuous power generation.

Economic and Technological Challenges

Despite its promise, space-based solar power faces major hurdles. To be cost-competitive, the annual costs of the Heliostat and Planar Array would need to drop to 14 and 9 times the cost of conventional Earth-based solar panels, respectively — far below current prices.

Large-scale implementation would also require breakthroughs in wireless energy transmission and robotic assembly of orbital structures.

Even so, the study highlights space solar power as a viable pathway to dramatically reduce Europe’s energy storage needs, cut costs, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

Reference:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/space/space-solar-designs-slash-battery-use

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), NASA’s Space Solar Designs May Cut Battery Use by 70% and Increase Power Output, AnaTechMaz, pp.545