How to make electricity.4

From: Bill [mailto:qwerty172@...]

This is what Gerald O'neal first proposed and is still cheaper than
solar cells. In fact until solar cells start hitting 30% thermodynamic
efficiency they will always be more expensive. Solar cells are used
because they are low maintenance not because they are particularrly
good power sources.

I also remember getting a letter from O'Neill where he said one reason why
photovoltaics appear in so many SPS studies is because it's a lighter
solution. If using space resources, however, system weight is much less of
a concern, and in that case solar thermal might be the preferred choice.

Regards,

Mike Combs

From:
Bill [mailto:qwerty172@...]
This is what Gerald O'neal first proposed and is still cheaper than
solar cells. In fact until solar cells start hitting 30% thermodynamic
efficiency they will always be more expensive. Solar cells are used
because they are low maintenance not because they are particularrly
good power sources.
I also remember getting a letter from O'Neill where he said one reason why photovoltaics appear in so many SPS studies is because it's a lighter solution. If using space resources, however, system weight is much less of a concern, and in that case solar thermal might be the preferred choice.
Regards,
Mike Combs