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Companies want to develop cost-effective and efficient photovoltaic products for space applications using next-generation, ultra-thin, radiation-resistant solar cells. As early as next year, hundreds of space vehicles could be equipped with the flexible modules.
Meyer Burger Technology AG and Solestial Inc. have entered into a strategic alliance to produce next-generation ultra-thin silicon solar cells for space travel, the companies announced Monday.
“The partnership will revolutionize space solar power by enabling Solestial to deliver ultra-thin, reliable, radiation-resistant cells and modules on an unprecedented scale,” they added.
The companies plan to combine Solestial’s radiation-resistant solar cells and flexible modules, optimized for long-term performance in space conditions, with Meyer Burger’s heterojunction technology. Solestial’s proprietary metallization process and cosmic radiation damage reduction technologies will be used to create solar cells that offer the efficiency and reliability needed to operate in orbit.
Solestial will supply Meyer Burger with its ultra-thin, radiation-hardened silicon wafers. The Swiss photovoltaic company will process them using its heterojunction technology and send them to Solestials production site in Tempe, Arizona, for metallization, finishing and integration into flexible solar modules.
The cooperation will enable Solestial to supply enough solar modules annually to equip hundreds of spacecraft starting in the middle of next year. Production is scheduled to begin on 1 September 2024.
“Meyer Burger spans industries that need our proprietary know-how and advanced technologies,” said Gunter Erfurt, CEO of Meyer Burger. “By excelling at every stage of product development, we help companies like Solestial scale, and support them as they grow |
