How Solar Panels Work In Space

1 the sun is not dimmed by the atmosphere.

How solar panels work in space.

It generates electricity regardless of position and orientation as long as it is extended. Solar panels actually work much better in space than on earth for a long series of reason. Nasa s grapefruit sized vanguard 1 satellite was the first to use solar cells when it was launched in 1958 and solar panels are still used extensively in space. For both uses a key figure of merit of the solar panels is the specific power watts generated divided by solar array mass which indicates on a relative basis how much.

Self assembling satellites are launched into space along with reflectors and a microwave or laser power transmitter. Solar panels on spacecraft supply power for two main uses. On earth in ideal conditions think sahara you get. How does it work.

Another similar part is the solar panel array. Space based solar power sbsp is the concept of collecting solar power in outer space and distributing it to earth potential advantages of collecting solar energy in space include a higher collection rate and a longer collection period due to the lack of a diffusing atmosphere and the possibility of placing a solar collector in an orbiting location where there is no night. This means in order to make a base sustainable you re looking at a maximum of 300kw of consumption. Power to run the sensors active heating cooling and telemetry.

Both parts function in similar capacities however the array with its larger. When it is extended it can generate 1 unit of electricity per second statically. How do solar panels work to generate electricity. At earth s distance from the sun solar flux is 1400 w m.

These panels convert solar power into either a microwave or a laser and beam uninterrupted power. A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. As a guide each panel can produce 50 60kw of power so you can produce up to about 1mw of power. Power for spacecraft propulsion electric propulsion sometimes called solar electric propulsion.