# California startup's night solar plan sparks debate

> California startup aims to sell sunlight at night, sparking ecological and regulatory concerns.
- Title: California startup's night solar plan sparks debate · Sfgate
- Summary: California startup aims to sell sunlight at night, sparking ecological and regulatory concerns. Reflect Orbital plans to deploy satellites reflecting…
- Keywords: reflect orbital, dark sky international, federal communications commission, solar farms, nighttime light, satellite deployment, ecological impact, regulatory clearance, science, California, startup's, night
- Source: Sfgate — https://sfgate.com/bayarea/article/california-night-solar-startup-22071228.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: reflect orbital, dark sky international, federal communications commission, solar farms, nighttime light, satellite deployment, ecological impact, regulatory clearance, science
## Reflect Orbital's night light plan
California startup aims to sell sunlight at night using satellites with mirrors.
## Satellite light proposal details
Prototype satellite carries 60-foot-wide mirror lighting 3-mile-wide circle on Earth.
## 2029 deployment target
Reflect Orbital plans 1,000 satellites by 2029 and 50,000 by 2035.
## Nighttime light pricing
An hour of light costs minimum $5,000 according to Reflect Orbital.
## DarkSky International concerns
DarkSky International CEO warns of ecological damage from nighttime light.

> From our perspective, this is clearly an unprecedented assault on the nighttime environment
## Health impacts
Neurologist and sleep expert cite health risks from disrupted circadian rhythms.

> This sounds appealing, but in reality, it comes at a real cost to our health
## Regulatory status
FCC deliberating satellite license after public comment period closed.
## Key takeaway

Reflect Orbital plans to deploy satellites reflecting sunlight for nighttime use, facing criticism from scientists over ecological impacts and regulatory gaps.