Scientists working for the US military have successfully tested a solar panel in space that is a prototype for future systems to send electricity from space back to any point on Earth. This Photovoltaic Radiofrequency Antenna Module (PRAM) was launched in May 2020. It is designed to make best use of the pure sunlight in space, which doesn't pass through the atmosphere making it much more powerful than the light that reaches Earth. PRAM converts the light to microwaves that can be sent as electricity to any part of the planet at a moment's notice. 

If this is able to be expanded it could revolutionise how power is distributed to all corners of the globe. "The unique advantage that solar power satellites have over any other source of power is this global transmissibility," according to project director Jaffe. "You can send power to Chicago, and a fraction of a second later send it instead to London or Brasilia." But a key factor for any possible expansion is economic viability, because building and maintaining equipment in space is expensive. The project is going one step at a time, with plans for a larger version that could have immediate applications in natural disasters where normal electrical infrastructure had collapsed.