High-Tech Balloons Could Rise Over Utah and Produce Solar Energy

The world is in constant need of more energy. With AI sucking up more electricity, the State of Utah is working to get ahead of the need for more, clean energy. Before we slap more solar panels on the ground, a new innovation out of China might be worth looking into. 

Getting Solar Producing Cells Closer to the Sun 

In a recent test, researchers in China and Sweden have sent a specially designed balloon into the atmosphere that will convert the suns light into electricity. The design of the balloon focused the rays of the sun to a central point. 

Because it can get high in the atmosphere where the air is thinner and it directs the sunlight from multiple angles, it can produce more energy than a panel on the ground. It also had the advantage of getting above low-level clouds. 

Advantages and Drawbacks of Solar Energy from Balloons 

There are some real benefits from using a balloon to produce solar energy. It is easier deploy as you only need a place to tether it to the ground. It could be helpful in rural areas where it can fly high overhead and be moved easily to different locations. 

They designed it for areas like Canada and Europe where the amount of sunshine available makes solar less than ideal. A solar balloon might be just the setup for a place like Utah with high mountains and warm deserts. 

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The main drawback is the trouble with inclement weather. Every solar array has to deal with high winds, but a balloon would certainly be more susceptible. However, if they can withstand normal conditions and be lowered in severe conditions, it would make more sense.