Thin HI-ETA/sup (R)/ space silicon solar cells with improved end-of-life performance

Abstract

In this paper we report on two new silicon space solar cell structures of our trademarked HI-ETA@ family which are designed for improved EOL (end-of-life) performance and low weight. The 2iTHI-ETA@3-ID thin (100-1 30pm) HI-ETA" cell with integrated diode is qualified and in large volume production, its efficiency figures are 17.3% at BOL (beginning-of-life) and 12.5% at EOL (1 E l 5 (1 MeV)e' IC").The locally thinned (50pm) cell is still under development, its mechanical structure is sound as already proven by coupon testing and now the electrical optimization work is under way. The target efficiency of this cell is 13.5% at EOL (1E15 (1MeV)e-/cm2) and is expected to be achieved towards the end of this year.

Free-standing ultrathin silicon wafers and solar cells through edges reinforcement

“…For example, a locally thinned waffle-like cell was proposed for space silicon solar cell in 2000. Strobl et al reported a 15.8% efficiency silicon solar cell with a thickness of 50 μm in the locally thinned regions and 130 μm for the frames 25 . But other details of this structure are particularly underreported.…”