{"id":116617,"date":"2026-08-12T02:10:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T00:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sonnenseite.com\/?p=116617"},"modified":"2026-08-12T10:04:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T08:04:22","slug":"silicon-photovoltaics-make-power-generation-in-space-more-cost-effective","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sonnenseite.com\/en\/science\/silicon-photovoltaics-make-power-generation-in-space-more-cost-effective\/","title":{"rendered":"Silicon Photovoltaics Make Power Generation in Space More Cost-Effective"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The American company Source Energy and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have jointly developed a new product line for space satellites based on silicon solar cells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solar arrays are using a special interconnection technology. Combined with inexpensive silicon solar cells, this enables modules at much lower costs compared to standard III-V technology that currently dominates the space sector. The automated production process, utilizing the M10 Solar Equipment GmbH\u2019s Shingle-Matrix Stringer, allows Source Energy to delivery their products in less than six months from the time of order.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u00a9 Fraunhofer ISE (left) \/ \u00a9 Source Energy Company (right)The solar modules use a shingle-matrix interconnection for the solar cells. Combined with silicon solar cells, this makes it possible to manufacture modules at significantly lower cost. On the left is a single module; on the right, a complete wing with 108 modules.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Solar cells based on III-V materials are the current standard for power generation in space. However, their high cost and limited availability are major constraints for commercial missions, particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. \u201cTogether with Source Energy, we have therefore developed silicon-based solar modules for space applications, similar to those already in successful and cost-effective use on Earth,\u201d explains Dr. Achim Kraft, head of the PV Module Technologies department at Fraunhofer ISE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resulting solar modules are compact and lightweight: 64 grams and 629 square centimetres, (321 by 209 millimetres). The average power output of the prototypes was 15.6 watts \u2013 with modules achieving 16.1 watts \u2013 and an average active area efficiency of 18.8 percent (AM0 at 25 \u00b0C). At 252 watts per kilogram, the module’s specific power is competitive with other silicon modules in its class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The silicon solar cells are interconnected using shingle-matrix technology<\/a>, where individual solar cells are cut into strips and arranged with certain overlap and spacing relative to one another, like brickwork. An electrically conductive adhesive bonds the solar cells together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The machine manufacturer M10 Solar Equipment GmbH has developed an industrial stringer for shingle-matrix technology. Following a successful prototyping phase at the Module-TEC facility of the Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg, Source Energy installed the system at its own manufacturing facility in Colorado in June 2026. \u201cAs the heart of our production, it enables us to manufacture PV panels for less than $5 per watt,\u201d says Bryan Mazor, CTO at Source Energy. \u201cThe automated manufacturing process not only makes us more cost-effective but also significantly faster than is currently the case with III-V PV products for space.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shingle-Matrix Design Makes Solar Modules Rugged for Space<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThree features make the shingle-matrix interconnection perfect for space,\u201d explains Najwa Abdel Latif, project manager at Fraunhofer ISE. \u201cResilience to localized physical damage from impacts by small objects in space, flexibility in layout, and tolerance to extreme temperature differences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the solar panel is damaged \u2013 for example, by a small meteorite or space debris \u2013 the matrix arrangement of the solar cells allows the current to simply flow around the damaged area. At the same time, the rows and columns of solar cells in the layout can be flexibly adjusted depending on the satellite\u2019s voltage and current requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe shingle-matrix technology is compatible with wafer-based solar cells featuring front and back contacts, such as PERC or silicon heterojunction, without having to adapt the production line,\u201d says Abdel Latif. \u201cThanks to the low-temperature interconnection process, there will be no issues with the future technology of perovskite silicon tandem either.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n

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\u00a9 Fraunhofer ISE \/ Graphic: Najwa Abdel LaifTests confirm that Source Energy\u2019s PV modules and arrays can be expected to deliver 76 percent of their original power output after seven years in space.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Test results confirm space-readiness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once on a mission, high resistance to extreme temperature fluctuations is crucial for the solar panels. The research team at Fraunhofer ISE therefore chose product material that can successfully maintain their performance under these conditions. Source Energy subjected the newly developed module to comprehensive space qualification testing and confirmed that it falls within the 25 percent qualification threshold for space applications. Specifically, after seven years of operation in space, the module is expected to retain 76 percent of its original power output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source<\/h5>\r\n\n\n\n

Fraunhofer ISE 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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