Facebook Parent Company to "Suck" Solar Energy Directly from Space to Earth

The need for electricity to run artificial intelligence (AI) is driving many technology companies to seek unconventional new energy sources. One of them is Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, which is now exploring alternative ways to meet AI energy needs. One method under consideration is “sucking” solar energy directly from space to support AI operations. Meta will use electricity derived from solar energy sent from special satellites in outer space to Earth. This step is being taken through a collaboration with the US-based startup Overview Energy. The concept is not merely reflecting light like a mirror, but converting solar energy into another form so it can be transmitted over long distances. The use of these satellites provides a solution to the limitations of solar panels or Solar Power Plants (PLTS) on Earth. This is because conventional solar panels generally have an efficiency of around 15–22 percent and a real production capacity (capacity factor) in the range of 10–25 percent. This is due to electricity being generated optimally only during the daytime, decreasing in cloudy weather, and stopping completely at night. To maintain electricity supply, operators typically must add batteries or rely on other energy sources, including fossil fuel-based plants. With the satellite system from Overview Energy, solar energy supply can remain available even at night. The solar energy captured by the satellites will then be converted into infrared light and directed to PLTS on Earth. The solar panels will then capture that light and convert it into electricity at any time, including at night, similar to receiving sunlight in the morning, afternoon, or evening.