Virtus Solis develops space-based solar power generation systems to deliver persistent, global energy. This technology beams clean, firm energy from sun-lit space, bypassing terrestrial intermittency and storage limitations. The resulting dispatchable power offers a low-cost, scalable alternative to fossil fuels for global energy markets.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
UXFounders
Product
Problem
Terrestrial solar power generation is intermittent due to weather conditions, seasonal variations, and the day-night cycle, leading to inconsistent energy supply and reliance on energy storage solutions. Existing renewable energy technologies often require extensive land use and can be limited by geographical constraints.
Solution
Virtus Solis is developing a space-based solar power generation system designed to capture solar energy in orbit and wirelessly transmit it to Earth. The system uses satellite arrays to collect solar power, convert it to microwaves, and transmit the microwaves to ground-based rectennas, which then convert the microwave energy back into electricity. By operating in space, the system can provide a continuous, scalable, and dispatchable energy source, unaffected by weather or time of day. The modular architecture, using large arrays of small satellites, allows for scalability from 100 MW to multi-GW power levels.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes utility companies, energy providers, and large industrial consumers seeking a reliable, clean, and scalable energy source, as well as governments aiming to achieve energy independence and reduce carbon emissions.
Features
- Satellite arrays consisting of numerous small, mass-producible 1.65-meter satellites, each delivering 1kW of power to the ground.
- Microwave transmission at 10 GHz to beam energy through the atmosphere with minimal loss.
- Highly elliptical Molniya orbit constellation to ensure continuous line-of-sight between satellite arrays and ground stations.
- Ground-based rectennas for efficient conversion of microwave energy back into electricity.
- Scalable architecture allowing for arrays ranging from 100 MW to multi-GW power levels.
- Design for manufacturability to enable low-cost satellite and rectenna production.