Applications of thin-film photovoltaics for space
Abstract
The authors discuss the potential applications of thin-film polycrystalline and amorphous cells for space. There have been great advances in thin-film solar cells for terrestrial applications. Transfer of this technology to space applications could result in ultra low-weight solar arrays with potentially large gains in specific power. Recent advances in thin-film solar cells are reviewed, including polycrystalline copper indium selenide and related I-III-VI2 compounds, polycrystalline cadmium telluride and related II-VI compounds, and amorphous silicon arrays. The possibility of using thin-film multi-bandgap cascade solar cells is discussed.
- Publication:
-
IECEC 1991; Proceedings of the 26th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, Volume 2
- Pub Date:
- 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991iece....2..256L
- Keywords:
-
- Photovoltaic Cells;
- Solar Arrays;
- Spacecraft Power Supplies;
- Thin Films;
- Amorphous Silicon;
- Cadmium Tellurides;
- Copper Selenides;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Gallium Selenides;
- Indium Compounds;
- Radiation Tolerance;
- Spacecraft Propulsion and Power