Utilities in the sky?: Comparison of space-based and terrestrial solar power systems

A comparison of space-based and terrestrial solar power systems is discussed. In space-based design, sunlight is first converted to electric power on one or more satellites, which is then converted to microwave and transmitted to earth. The terrestrial system includes one or more large receiving antennas arrays, converters to low frequency electric power, and transmission lines connecting the system to electric power grid. Both the space-based and terrestrial systems block sunlight from large areas of land, however, the space-based system also exposes plants, birds, and terrestrial animals to microwave radiation in both the antenna area and the larger safety zone.