Solar array trades between very high-efficiency multi-junction and Si space solar cells

Millimeter-wave wireless power transfer technology for space applications

“…Simulation results suggest that this technology is capable of realizing overall conversion efficiencies that are better than 72% and energy densities as high as 1.2W per square centimeter. This power density is 30 times better than high efficiency solar arrays with power density of 40 mW per square centimeter [3].…”

The role of photonics in energy

“…Among the first applications of solar PVs was their use in space to power control systems and other critical functions on space vehicles. 14 This subsequently grew into the application of PVs in residential solar systems for off-grid applications and has matured into grid-connected residential systems and solar power plants in the last 15 years. 15 The progress in solar PVs in terms of cell power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) can be seen in the chart from the (US) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shown in Fig.…”

III‐V Solar Cells

“…Despite the significantly lower EOL efficiency, the silicon cell results in a much higher specific power at the cell level on account of its low weight. However, the weight of the panel structure required to give the space array the necessary rigidity to survive the launch changes the figure of merit firmly in favour of the high-efficiency solar cell [156]. The next stage in the evolution of space photovoltaics is likely to be the addition of a fourth junction, possibly in inverted metamorphic configuration [157].…”