New startup wants to sell sunlight after dark using mirrors

In a bold and innovative move, a California-based startup, Reflect Orbital, is aiming to revolutionize global power production by selling sunlight after the sun has set. The company has developed a unique approach that utilizes solar panels to capture reflected sunlight, even during nighttime hours. This ambitious plan was unveiled by CEO Ben Nowack at the International Conference on Energy from Space, held in London this past April.

Reflect Orbital’s groundbreaking concept involves deploying a network of small satellites equipped with ultra-reflective mylar mirrors. These satellites, orbiting approximately 370 miles above the Earth’s surface, are designed to reflect sunlight back onto solar farms after dark. The satellites, which measure 33 square feet each, will provide an additional 30 minutes of sunlight to solar power plants during peak demand periods. This innovative technology was demonstrated in a video, where the company showcased how reflected light could illuminate the night sky.

The idea is not just a theoretical concept. Reflect Orbital’s team, led by Nowack and cofounder and CTO Tristan Semmelhack, has already begun testing the feasibility of their project. They conducted an experiment in which an eight-by-eight-foot mylar mirror was attached to a hot air balloon. This mirror was intended to reflect sunlight onto solar panels mounted on a truck. After weeks of fieldwork and fine-tuning, the team achieved a breakthrough, successfully demonstrating the viability of their concept.

A mylar mirror, essential to their technology, is a glassless mirror made from polyester film stretched across a raised aluminum frame. This design allows for lightweight and highly reflective surfaces, perfect for use in space.

Reflect Orbital’s innovative approach to enhancing solar power generation has the potential to be both profitable and scalable. The startup’s team of seven is optimistic that their technology could provide a cost-effective solution to increase solar energy production, even after the sun has set. Their success was shared in a YouTube video, where they detailed the process and results of their test.