The switch to silicon cells could also halve the weight of the solar cells needed on the spacecraft, freeing mass for fuel or instruments, or cutting launch costs.
The switch to silicon cells could also halve the weight of the solar cells needed on the spacecraft, freeing mass for fuel or instruments, or cutting launch costs.
Silicon was the industry-standard solar cell material for spacecraft from 1958 until 1977, when gallium arsenide cells displaced it, offering better efficiency and radiation resistance. Triple-junction cells built from gallium, indium and germanium have been the standard ever since.
Today, silicon heterostructure cells hold a record efficiency level of 27.8 per cent and perovskite/silicon tandem cells hold a record of 34.85 per cent.
Read More at: University of Surrey
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