Collecting solar power directly from space: Are space solar farms a realistic solution?

SCIENCE © FRANCE 24

To mark Earth Day, we take a look at the energy transition and how to better harness the power of the sun. Photovoltaic panels have been used since the 1970s, but their global adoption remains limited due to technical challenges, weather-related intermittences and the day/night cycle on Earth. As a result, scientists have been exploring the possibility of capturing solar energy directly from space. But how realistic and cost efficient is this solution? FRANCE 24's Julia Sieger tells us more.