Virtus Solis: Pioneering Space-Based Solar Power for a Sustainable Energy Future

EcoAero had the opportunity to speak with John Bucknell, Founder and CEO of Virtus Solis, a trailblazing company who is committed to solving the world’s energy problems through innovative space-based solar power technology. Inspired by a 1980 NASA study that concluded that there was no commercially viable solution to the energy problem, John Bucknell and Virtus Solis have developed a revolutionary approach to harnessing solar energy in space. 

Virtus Solis have been working on technology that could redefine the way we fulfill our energy needs. The solution? Building a solar power plant, or a power satellite, that can operate in orbit. While solar technology on Earth has made significant strides, its efficiency is still hampered by day and night cycles and weather conditions. Space-based solar power, however, can bypass these limitations entirely. 

Solar panels in space are perpetually exposed to direct sunlight, free from the obstructions caused by Earth’s atmosphere and weather. This allows the space-based solar panels to constantly receive unfiltered light directly from the sun, resulting in greater efficiency and a higher power output. The remaining challenge was to find a way to wirelessly transmit this power from the orbit to the ground – a problem Virtus Solis have solved. 

The breakthrough came with the use of microwaves, which are not obstructed by clouds or water vapor in the atmosphere and do not interact with conductive materials. This means that microwave beams can consistently deliver power, regardless of weather conditions. Virtus Solis’ low intensity microwave beams can transmit power with nearly 100% efficiency, ensuring a reliable and continuous energy supply. 

There are no safety concerns with these power beams, as their intensity is less than that of sunlight, typically a quarter or less, and even at maximum, are only about half as intense as the sun. This low intensity ensures that the beams are harmless to living beings and cannot be weaponized. 

Launching the entire power plant into orbit will require approximately 10 to 15 launches. Despite the initial perception of higher costs and emissions, this method is remarkably sustainable. Earth-based solar power plants produce about 40g of CO2 per kilowatt-hour, while space-based solar power plants from Virtus Solis are estimated to produce only 0.03g of CO2 per kilowatt-hour. Over 20 years, this number will near 0 due to the immense amount of energy generated in contrast with the CO2 produced in its production. To further highlight the sustainable nature, energy sources like coal and natural gas generate about 300g of CO2 per kilowatt-hour. Nuclear energy, while low in emissions, poses significant risks. In contrast, Virtus Solis’ space-based solar power is not only the most efficient, but the safest and cleanest energy solution available. Moreover, their power satellites are expected to last 50 to 100 years in orbit, generating power without emissions and at a very low cost. 

Virtus Solis is the first company to develop technology of this kind and plans to have their first power plant in orbit by 2027. They aim to sell these power plants to customers, and are estimating their customers to be able to offer energy at competitive prices of $35-45 per megawatt-hour. By the mid-2030s, Virtus Solis plans to deploy 32 gigawatts of utility-scale power, with potential adjustments based on demand. 

Solving the world’s energy challenges requires clean, sustainable, and reliable energy. Virtus Solis’ mission is to eliminate global energy poverty by providing a cheap and clean energy product. Their long-term vision includes producing 100 terawatts in 30 years, significantly exceeding current global energy demands. By addressing energy scarcity, Virtus Solis aims to revolutionize global business and energy practices. 

John Bucknell and Virtus Solis are not just innovating in the energy and aerospace industries – they are truly transforming it. With their pioneering space-based solar power technology, they are poised to lead the change, as we adapt to a more sustainable and energy-abundant future. 

Image courtesy of Virtus Solis, used with permission.