BBC Inside Science Could solar panels in space be the energy source of the future?
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Sep 18, 2025 In this engaging discussion, science journalist Caroline Steel joins Professor Henry Snaith, a leading expert on solar cell technologies. They delve into the intriguing potential of space-based solar panels as a viable energy source for Earth, exploring advances in microwave beaming and new cell designs. Additionally, conservation scientist Adam Hart shares insights on unorthodox approaches like trophy hunting for funding wildlife protection, while Simon Parkin recounts the dramatic story of botanists safeguarding Leningrad's seed bank during WWII.
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Economics Determines Timing
- Economic feasibility depends on earthside storage and transmission advances and future demand growth.
- Henry Snaith expects space solar may become relevant after 2050 rather than as a near-term net-zero solution.
Huge Orbital Area Is The Main Constraint
- Space arrays need vast area but benefit from ~1.3× instantaneous sunlight and near-constant exposure, boosting yearly yield.
- To replace terrestrial solar fully you'd require enormously large orbital foil areas, making scale a key challenge.
Tandem Cells Shrink Land Needs
- Next-generation terrestrial panels will use tandem cells (e.g., perovskite over silicon) to push efficiencies much higher.
- Higher-efficiency modules reduce required land and may delay the need for space-based arrays.
