A recent study conducted by International Acadamy of Astronautics which is placed
in Paris reveled that the technology required for placing solar panels in space to generate electricity will be available in 10 to 20 years.
Another independent study conducted by a NASA veteran Mr.John Mankins also add solid proof to the fact stated by International Acadamy of Astronautics and Mankins believes that SBSP is an ideal option to the world which is overdependent on its oil resources. Below is the fact that Mankins said to Reuters
It is clear that solar power delivered from space could play a tremendously important role in meeting the global need for energy during the 21st century.
He also insisted on the fact why SBSP is an ideal option over ground based solar panels and the reason he stated was that as the power stations are stationed in space power can be generated round the clock. This is nearly impossible in ground based station a mere 12 hours of power generation is possible even in deserts. One more important fact is these solar power wont harm the ecosystem at any point.
Insisting on the importance of space based solar power Matthew Perren , CEO of Astrium which is one of the largest space company in the world and the largest one in Europe stated that
There is a global need for an increased energy generation that does not have an environmental impact,The real advantage of space solar power is that it can provide power on demand as we can essentially point the laser beam where ever we like on the earth below the orbit.
But this project could possibly cost in billions and effort can be realized in the form of power only after 10 to 20 years , These form a huge barricade for this mammoth project . But if we expect for the maximum output we should be ready to take at least a minimum risk.
NASA has offered a California based power management solution Artemis a contract of $100,000 to pursue the project. And LaserMotive has been donated a whole some amount of $900,000 for the research in Laser beams to send the solar energy back down to earth. The amount might be small but it a good sign as it keeps the project afloat. He also stated that most of the technology that is to be used in Space solar power are already existing and few updations and proper testing can lift the project up. But still there is a room for lot of improvement that has to be mandatory performed before the project is taken on a full fledged note.
Apart from Astrium and Artemis Japanese state owned JAXA is also showing interest in harnessing solar power from space. And they have invested a whooping $21 billion for this gigantic project. If every thing goes well solar power from space will power our homes one day!!