Comments on: Why aren’t cell phones solar powered using photocells/Photovoltaic?

By: whsgreenmom

whsgreenmom — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:21:59 +0000

Do you plan on using a big extension cord to get the electricity from the satellite?
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By: spokes2000

spokes2000 — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:07:59 +0000

People have asked that question since the first satellite was put into orbit. A science fiction writer Ben Bova wrote "Powersat" and he explores many questions about space based power sources from both sides. Some people fear the technology could be weaponized which I'm sure it could. Point enough microwave radiation at something long enough and you'll fry it.
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By: MIKE L

MIKE L — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:19:59 +0000

We could have those now , Read the Book " Colonies in Space"
The USA would have 100% employment and moon colonies.

Beam the microwaves to receivers in deserts .
The USA could be the OPEC of Solar Energy .
No Cap and trade scams or Carbon tax schemes either .
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By: Razr

Razr — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:46:59 +0000

Radio waves will recharge cell phones in the future no need for electricity. Nokia is working on the first one.
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By: Dawei

Dawei — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:01:59 +0000

It’s called space-based solar power, and a lot of people are taking it seriously.

The most commonly suggested transmission technology would be a beam of microwave radiation, from the satellite to Earth.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_solar_power

By: HyperNexus

HyperNexus — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:42:59 +0000

For solar power to succeed at large it needs to become cost effective.

Putting a gigantic solar panel in space would cost a huge amount of money, and how do you propose we transfer the energy down? Solar-powered objects in space are connected directly to the solar panels, so a solar array in space would have to have wires running down to the surface of the Earth. Pretty impractical.

As for solar panels on the Earth’s surface, it’s still pretty costly to install a lot of them to harness tons of energy, and what do you do if there’s a few cloudy days in a row and your energy reserves run out?

I’m all for moving to solar power, but the technology needs to progress more before it becomes viable for the whole world.
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By: emiller1998

emiller1998 — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:00:59 +0000

There is no sun shine in your pocket. How do you plan on getting power from a solar panel in space to the ground? Big extension cord?
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