In the quest for new and inexhaustible sources of energy, solar energy has become a promising contender. However, several factors prevent solar energy from falling freely into the Earth's surface, leading to the concept of collecting solar energy in space and beaming the energy to receiving units on the ground. Studies to date have not identified any barriers with regard to technical feasibility, and discussions with a number of respected scientists were told there are no scientific breakthroughs required. Yet solar power satellites do represent very large engineering endeavor. There are serious technical, environmental, economic, and other issues which require technology verification for resolution. These 1979 Congressional hearings presented a wealth of information from technical societies, cognizant Federal agencies, environmental groups, and the originator of the concept.