Could space-based solar power deliver cost-competitive electricity generation?

While requiring substantial development, space-based solar power (SBSP) could deliver cost-competitive electricity generation, de-risking the path by providing a future source of clean, base-load energy by 2040 or earlier.

Does solar energy affect land use change?

Although the transition to renewable energies will intensify the global competition for land, the potential impacts driven by solar energy remain unexplored. In this work, the potential solar land requirements and related land use change emissions are computed for the EU, India, Japan and South Korea.

How can a limited land area improve PV power generation?

However, the optimized lifecycle generation per unit area of land is 29.39% to 50.79% higher compared to the generation under standard rule. This indicates that with a limited land area, proper planning of the spatial arrangement of PV arrays can increase the installed capacity of PV power plants and enhance their overall electricity generation.

Why is solar energy important in urban areas?

This innovation is especially significant in urban areas where space is at a premium, as it addresses both energy needs and interior lighting requirements. the development of solar windows with improved efficiency and transparency. As a result, buildings can harness solar energy without compromising the comfort and aesthetics of interior spaces.

How much land does solar energy occupy?

A novel method is developed within an integrated assessment model which links socioeconomic, energy, land and climate systems. At 25–80% penetration in the electricity mix of those regions by 2050, we find that solar energy may occupy 0.5–5% of total land.

What is the value of land for hosting solar energy?

To define the value of land for hosting solar energy, a yield in terms of energy output per unit of land has been defined for every AEZ.