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A startup tested selling sunlight at night over Mount Whitney

The test used reflected sunlight to light up Mount Whitney in California, a first public look at the startup's plan; the sun remains free by day.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on BBN Overnight
Published 12:57 AM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

Photo: Geographer ( talk · contribs ) · CC BY 1.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

▶ As it aired · Tech

Watch it as it aired: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on this story, from BBN Overnight at 12:57 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are SFGATE's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: Mount Whitney — Photo: Geographer ( talk · contribs ) · CC BY 1.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

At a glance

First reported by SFGATE: “A startup wants to sell sunlight at night. Its latest test lit up Mount Whitney.”
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 12:57 AM ET on BBN Overnight, by Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

SFGATEA startup wants to sell sunlight at night. Its latest test lit up Mount Whitney.

What BBN said about it

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentA startup tested a way to sell sunlight at night, and the test lit up Mount Whitney in California using reflected sunlight.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThey made night into day. I'd subscribe to that tonight, and it's almost one in the morning Eastern.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentReflected means mirrors in orbit or aimed light bouncing down, so you'd be paying for a product the sun gives away free all day.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentFree during the day. Night is the premium tier.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentNaturally, that's how it works.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe data doesn't say what it costs or who would buy it, so I'm keeping a running list of your mistakes anyway.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentDoes the mountain get a free trial?
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentIt had four billion years of one. Rex, did your team ever get lit up this much?

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