Out of this world: Is space-based solar power the next big thing?

As the world’s major powers race to lead the renewable energy transition, a new frontier technology is gaining attention. Spaced-based solar power would capture the sun’s energy from high earth orbit and then beam it back down to a fixed point on earth.

While it sounds like science fiction, small-scale research and feasibility tests are already underway. The UK government has commissioned studies into the technology, with updated findings released in February 2026.

Here’s what you need to know about the future of space-based solar power.

What is space-based solar power?

Space-based solar power (SBSP) works similarly to the conventional solar panels most people know. The major difference? These operate in space. Utilising large-scale solar panels that are positioned in space to collect energy, SBSP coverts the energy to microwaves and is beamed back down to earth. By placing solar panels above the Earth’s atmosphere, more energy can be collected, avoiding blockers such cloud cover, bad weather, and nighttime cycles. Theoretically, this would enable 24/7 sunshine and energy.

Is space-based solar power possible?

In principle, yes. The physics behind SBSP is well understood, and wireless power transmission has been demonstrated in experiments. The challenge lies in scaling the technology economically.

Several countries are already conducting research and running small-scale feasibility tests. China is leading the way as a pioneer for both solar and SBSP. In 2010, China’s solar capacity was just 0.1GW (enough to power around 100 homes), growing exponentially to 574GW in 2026. Now, the country plans to launch a 1-kilometer-wide panel into orbit in 2028, providing the same amount of power in a year as the total amount of oil that can be extracted from earth.

The United States, Europe, and Japan are also investing in the new technology and feasibility studies. However, most projects remain at the research or early development stage. Large-scale commercial deployment would require significant advances in launch capability, in-space construction and cost reduction.

UK government releases SBSP reports on feasibility, costs, and economics

Two studies have been commissioned by the UK government to test the feasibility of space-based solar panels, providing critical insight into the next years of development for this technology.

The first study, “Space based solar power: de-risking the pathway to net zero” (released in 2021), examines the technical feasibility, cost and economics of SBSP as a new technology to help the UK reach its net zero goals. It also addresses key barriers to development and recommendations moving forward.

Published in February 2026, “Feasibility of small-scale space based solar power systems for early market adoption” builds on the previous 2021 study to explores whether smaller-scale SBSP systems could enable early commercial adoption in the 2030s, reducing investment risk compared to gigawatt-scale architectures.

Together, the reports suggest SBSP is technically achievable, but dependent on sustained investment and technological progress.

What are the barriers to space-based solar power?

While the benefits of SBSP sound promising, significant challenges remain. Primarily, launch costs are at the forefront of financial considerations, as well as logistical feasibility. Maintaining infrastructure in space adds another layer of complexity.

More generally speaking, funding for research and investment in technology will also play a key role moving forward, as much capital in this area has traditionally come from private investors. Still seen as a frontier of sorts, investments in space-based solar panels could be viewed by many as a high-risk investment.

So, what’s next for space-based solar panels?

The coming decade will be an exciting time to watch this area develop, with leading countries going head-to-head on what could be the next space race.

If launch costs continue to fall and international investment accelerates, SBSP could become a serious contender in the global clean energy mix. For now, it remains an ambitious concept with growing political and technological interest.

Here at the Energy Advice Hub, we’ll continue tracking developments on SBSP as the technology progresses and report back with updates.