New lower-cost solar cells qualified for future missions

A recent activity with GSTP and CESI, Italy, has taken their most up-to-date and lowest cost solar cell and qualified it for use in space missions.

The cell, which is the size of a business card, is, in its simplest form, able to provide electricity after it is exposed to light. But just one of these cells is unable to produce enough to be able to do much. Interconnectors enable these cells to attach to each other, forming a grid or strings of these tiny cells, building up until they are able to generate enough current and voltage for multiple different needs. The strings of cells can be bonded to spacecraft or instrument panels until an entire array is built.

Individually, the cells are protected by a very thin (100-150microns thick) glass, which protects them from radiation and other dangers in the harsh space environment.

CESI developed these low-cost cells by optimizing the manufacturing process. While this means the cells are slightly less efficient than similar ones on the market, their lower cost means they can be benefit at the power generator level. In particular, for Low Earth and Geostationary Orbit (LEO and GEO) satellites and missions, where the solar arrays have to be less expensive while maintaining their reliability.

After manufacturing a large number of the cells, the activity then put the batch through qualification testing. The activity has now given the qualification stamp to both the cell and the assembled strings, meaning they can now be relied upon for future missions.  

4000118222 closed in July 2021.