Virginia Startup Plans Space-Based Solar Power by 2028

Overview Energy, a Virginia-based startup, aims to beam solar power from space to Earth’s grid by January 2028, according to statements from co-CEO Darko Filipi. The company hopes to provide utility-scale energy using orbital solar panels that capture sunlight continuously, avoiding the intermittency issues that plague traditional solar installations.

A New Frontier in Clean Energy

Space-based solar power involves placing solar arrays in orbit, where they can access sunlight 24 hours a day without obstruction from weather or nighttime. These satellites would transmit the collected energy to Earth via microwave beams or laser systems, depending on the technology used. While the concept has been studied for decades, recent investment from tech giants and venture capitalists is accelerating development timelines.

The push comes amid surging electricity demand from data centers and other high-energy industries. Companies like Meta have already signed agreements with Overview Energy, securing up to 1 gigawatt of projected space-based solar output. This amount rivals the capacity of a typical nuclear reactor, though the technology remains unproven at scale.

Challenges Remain Despite Optimism

McKinsey & Company noted in a 2022 report that utility-scale solar and wind farms require significantly more land than fossil fuel plants, contributing to local resistance and logistical hurdles. Space-based systems could bypass these constraints by avoiding terrestrial land use conflicts entirely.

Amory Lovins, a physicist at Stanford and co-founder of the think tank RMI, acknowledged the potential for the technology to function but expressed doubt about its financial viability compared to cheaper alternatives like nuclear and geothermal energy.

Even supporters concede that cost competitiveness may not arrive until 2040. Until then, projects like Overview Energy’s remain speculative, relying on rapid technological advancement and sustained funding to meet ambitious deadlines.

Land Constraints Drive Innovation

With rural communities increasingly opposing large-scale renewable projects, the appeal of space-based solar grows. Overview Energy claims its orbital systems could meet a quarter of new U.S. energy demand over the next decade without requiring additional land development.

Testing the Limits of Feasibility

The Meta deal hinges on technology that has yet to undergo full-scale testing. If successful, it would mark a major milestone for commercial space-based power generation. However, launching and maintaining orbital infrastructure poses unique technical and financial risks.