First Approach to Lightweight Solar Panel Using Space Solar Sheet
Abstract
Development of a lightweight solar panel using space solar sheets is underway. Space solar sheets consist of paper-like thin-film InGaP/GaAs solar cells, which generate higher electrical power than a-Si and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells. The objective of this work is to develop a lightweight solar panel with specific power greater than 100 W/kg using the solar sheet. The panel employs a simple frame-type structure. The architecture is inherently modular and scalable. In this study, a breadboard model was manufactured. The dimensions of the 1.0-cm-thick panel were about 55 cm × 70 cm. Each panel weighs approximately 0.68 kg. The breadboard panel is a small prototype model, but it achieves the high specific power of about 88 W/kg. Higher specific power (> 100 W/kg) can be realized by increasing the solar sheet efficiency, optimizing its structural design and scaling up the module.
- Publication:
-
8th European Space Power Conference
- Pub Date:
- September 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008ESASP.661E..61S