Adaptation of thin-film photovoltaic technology for use in space

The anticipated deployment of large numbers of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) for global telecommunications networks renews interest in producing solar power systems that are lightweight, robust, resistant to radiation damage and relatively inexpensive. Promising near term thin-film candidates are amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). The authors discuss the modifications that are necessary to adapt terrestrial thin-film technology for use in space. They characterize expected module performance and present results of tests performed on sample cells. They consider the possibility of achieving aggressive cost, weight and performance targets through the use of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology.