Reflect Orbital unveils plan to illuminate solar panels at night using satellite mirrors
This state of the art gadget seeks to address a challenge in energy supply that arises only during the day.
Reflect Orbital, a California startup has devised a plan to capture energy even after sunset. Their concept revolves around deploying satellite mirrors to reflect sunlight back to our planet thereby prolonging the generation of power. Ben Nowack, the CEO of Reflect Orbital unveiled this initiative at the International Conference on Energy from Space held in London.
Nowack elaborated on the companys intention to send into orbit a constellation of 57 small satellites fitted with 33 square foot mirrors crafted from highly reflective mylar material. These mirrors would channel sunlight onto solar farms on Earth during the night offering an energy boost, during peak demand periods.
This state of the art gadget seeks to address a challenge in energy supply that arises only during the day. Reflect Orbital aims to transform how energy is consumed globally by expanding sunlight coverage and enhancing the potential of utilizing solar power throughout the day. Nowack emphasized the importance of this breakthrough mentioning that mirrored satellites could extend daylight by up to 30 minutes in certain areas.
How Reflect Orbital Plans to Extend Daylight and Boost Solar Power
This would prove beneficial, during periods of high energy demand providing a crucial boost when conventional solar power falls short. The startup has previously conducted tests to assess the feasibility of their approach involving attaching a mylar mirror to a balloon and shining sunlight onto ground based solar panels.
The results were promising, with the solar panels producing 500 watts per square meter, underlining the satellite mirror system’s potential. Reflect Orbital aspires to push the boundaries of technology while also promoting sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the efficiency of renewable energy sources. Their technology has the potential to transform solar energy collection systems, making it a more reliable and resilient power source.
Reflect Orbital proposes to launch a satellite mirror into space in 2025. The company is optimistic about this initiative because over 30,000 businesses have expressed interest in the upgraded solar power service it would offer. With decreasing travel costs and improved satellite technology, the notion is considered practical and potentially cost-effective. The concept of using mirrors to redirect sunlight at night through orbitals represents a huge step forward in renewable energy research. This initiative not only boosts electricity generation but also addresses critical energy challenges. If successful, it might establish a new benchmark for solar energy generation by providing a continuous and uninterrupted power supply.
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