PoqVaUSA
2011-07-20 12:21:33
What we lack is a way to manufacture and position in space solar panels that will ever generate more power than was necessary to get them there. Solar panels in space make sense for powering things in space, only because it is difficult to get power to such systems in the first place. 10 KWh on the ground makes sense for providing 1 KWh in space, but don’t expect to get back your full 10 KWh. If you want 10 KWh on the ground, it’s much more efficient to have the power generation be on the ground too, with fluids and plumbing vs. straight photovoltaics.
Why not put windmills in orbit too? That would make about as much sense.
