China tests tech that could beam solar power from space to Earth

The promise of solar power from space is that it would eliminate the clean energy technology’s biggest drawback – not being able to operate in darkness – by putting the panels in orbit where they can evade Earth’s shadow. — AFP

Chinese researchers have successfully tested a full-system model of technology that could one day wirelessly transmit solar power from outer space to Earth.

A model power station at Xidian University in Shaanxi province captures sunlight high above the ground and converts it into microwave beams. It then transmits through the air to a receiver station on the ground, where it can be converted back to electricity.