For space-based solar to be efficient, ie for it to be better than just installing normal solar panels, the beamed energy would have to be at least as powerful as sunlight (1000watts per square meter). That is a very very high bar to overcome. Compared to the simplicity of solar+batteries, I don't see a future for beaming solar energy down from space. Maybe once every square meter of roof space has been dedicated to solar panels, once every city is essentially blanketed in panels, then it may be time to turn to space for more energy.
One might say that space-based solar would operate 24/7 and so is better than normal solar panels. That's isn't reality. Low-orbit satellites spend half their day in darkness too. To hit a receiver on the night side of earth a satellite would have to be at a very high orbit, reducing beam efficiency and increasing launch costs.
One might say that space-based solar would operate 24/7 and so is better than normal solar panels. That's isn't reality. Low-orbit satellites spend half their day in darkness too. To hit a receiver on the night side of earth a satellite would have to be at a very high orbit, reducing beam efficiency and increasing launch costs.