Qualification of Low Cost Solar Cells at Bare and SCA Level

A recent activity with GSTP Element 2 and 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 100-150 microns thick) glass, which protects them from radiation and other dangers in the harsh space environment. The activity developed these low-cost cells by optimising 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.