Orbiting Solar Power Plants: The Race to Harness Space-Based Solar Energy
China leads Solar Installations on Planet Earth. New Investment Sparks The Solar Space Race. Silver Ignites our Future!
by Pixy St. Claire
Silver's unique properties make it a critical material for the photovoltaic solar industry. Silver's high electrical conductivity is unmatched by any other metal, allowing it to efficiently carry the electricity generated by solar cells through a current to be used or stored.
Additionally, silver is highly reflective, which is beneficial in some solar panel designs where a thin layer of silver is applied as a reflective coating on the surface of the solar cells.
This helps to maximize the absorption of sunlight by reflecting it back into the active areas of the solar cells, increasing their efficiency.
China is the global leader in the photovoltaic solar industry, accounting for over 80% of the world's solar panel production.
Our meticulous projection indicates that the global demand for Silver in Solar Power will reach 350 million ounces in 2024. This starkly contrasts with the Silver Institute's forecast of 161 million ounces for 2023, underscoring the significant disparity between our numbers and theirs.
Given the pressure of our reporting, it's likely that the Silver Institute will revise its forecast using "Disneyland" accounting and then publish 300 million ounces in their report next week. However, it is essential to note that even this revised figure pales compared to our projection of 350 million ounces, suggesting a potential underestimation of the demand for silver in solar power.
Expressed in percentage terms, the disparity between our numbers is a staggering 117.4%. This stark difference underscores the need for a closer examination of our projections and the Silver Institute's forecast model.
Video Feature
Outcrop Silver
(TSXV: OCG) (OTCQX: OCGSF) (DE:MRG)
Pixy Projection: Outrcrop Silver's 52-week high of .30 per share will be surpassed within the next 6 to 9 months. Given today's share price of .18, this climb would represent a 67% move to the upside.
The Ambitious Quest for Space-Based Solar Power
The concept of launching an orbiting solar power plant into space may initially seem far-fetched, but the race to transform this idea into a reality is gaining momentum. Both the US and the UK are actively pursuing this innovative technology. A UK startup, Space Solar, is at the forefront of this race, projecting that a demonstration model of their device will be orbiting within the next three years. This device will beam solar energy down to a receiver on Earth 24/7, regardless of the weather. The potential applications of this technology are vast, including remote EV charging, adding to its intrigue.
Solar energy in space is not a new concept. The pricey orbiting solar arrays of the 1950s paved the way for today's low-cost earthbound solar innovations. However, the space-to-Earth connection has faced various obstacles, including scale, cost, the delicate maneuvering required to unfurl a solar array in space, and the ability of the solar cells to withstand the harsh outer space environment. Ongoing Research and Development
Significant strides are being made in space solar research at the California Institute of Technology, thanks to a substantial $100 million grant from philanthropists Donald and Brigitte Bren.
In January, the CalTech research team achieved a significant milestone in space-based solar power research. They successfully completed an in-space test run of three foundational technologies, including a batch of 32 different kinds of solar cells. This progress, funded by a $ 100 million grant from philanthropists Donald and Brigitte Bren, is a testament to the feasibility and potential of space-based solar power, fostering optimism about its future.
Space solar activity is also thriving in the UK. The latest news comes from the Oxfordshire startup Space Solar, which announced a proof-of-concept breakthrough in February. The company's co-CEO, Sam Adlen, affirmed that the goal is to send a technology demonstration into orbit within three years to deliver a "meaningful" level of power from space to Earth around 2030. Overcoming Challenges and Exploring Possibilities
While the cost of rocket launches has been decreasing, the assembly of a full-scale, mile-wide solar array in orbit remains a costly endeavor. However, researchers at Queen's University in Belfast are tackling these challenges head-on, developing innovative technologies such as beyond near/far field auto-focusing antenna array technology and orientation agnostic rectifying antenna (rectenna) systems. These advancements could potentially bring energy remotely to satellites, high-altitude platform stations, and even electric vehicles in space settlements.
As research and development in space-based solar power progresses, the potential applications extend far beyond just powering Earth-based systems. The possibility of using this technology to charge electric vehicles, both on Earth and in potential space settlements, opens up a world of exciting new possibilities for sustainable energy solutions. While the challenges are significant, the race to harness the power of the sun from space is well underway, and the future of this technology holds great promise, instilling a sense of hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
Disclaimer / Disclosure
Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no guarantee as to completeness or accuracy. Because individual investment objectives vary, this Summary should not be construed as advice to meet the particular needs of the reader. Any opinions expressed herein are statements of our judgment as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Any action taken as a result of reading this independent market research is solely the responsibility of the reader.
The Pickaxe & MineralWEALTH is not and does not profess to be a professional investment advisor, and strongly encourages all readers to consult with their own personal financial advisors, attorneys, and accountants before making any investment decision. The Pickaxe & MineralWEALTH and/or independent consultants or members of their families may have a position in the securities mentioned. Mr. Little does consult on a paid basis both with private investors and various companies. Investing and speculation are inherently risky and should not be undertaken without professional advice. By your act of reading this independent market research letter, you fully and explicitly agree that The Pickaxe & MineralWEALTH will not be held liable or responsible for any decisions you make regarding any information discussed herein.