Solar power could provide all the energy needed for an extended mission to Mars, according to a new study. The evolution in solar cell technology means that the sun could even power a permanent settlement on the Red Planet, say scientists.

Solar does as well or is comparable to nuclear power when it comes to energy on Mars, according to scientists at the University of California, Berkeley. It does have downsides in that it must be stored for use at night, which lasts about the same length of time as on Earth. Production can also be stifled by the red dust that covers the planet.

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NASA’s 15-year-old Opportunity rover, powered by solar panels, stopped working after a massive dust storm in 2019.

Solar panels are however better because they are far lighter and at times more efficient than nuclear.

Read more: Study Finds