[tt] PG&E makes deal for space solar power

[Brian Atkins]

A few extra details here:

http://www.cleantech.com/news/4361/solarens-plan-outer-space

Solaren will attempt to raise "billions" in investment by this summer. If that 
much money does materialize for them by then, then I think it will show this 
particular plan must look economically viable on paper.

Also apparently their satellite design may be capable of 1GW.


more tidbits:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/13/MN7S171PSL.DTL

"Many of the project's details remain under wraps, and others haven't been 
decided yet, said Cal Boerman, Solaren's director of energy services. For 
example, Solaren still hasn't decided whether to use crystalline silicon solar 
cells or newer, thin-film cells that weigh less than silicon but aren't as 
efficient."

"Boerman said the solar installation would require four rocket launches."

4? I thought it was 5 earlier today. Sounds pretty vapor-like at this point.
-- 
Brian Atkins
Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence
http://www.singinst.org/