Researchers from the Universities of Surrey and Swansea have conducted a study confirming the practicality of developing low-cost, lightweight solar panels for energy generation in space.
The research, spanning six years and observing a satellite over 30,000 orbits, offers insights into the panels’ resilience to radiation and space conditions.
The solar cells, constructed from cadmium telluride, present increased coverage, reduced weight, and enhanced power output at a relatively lower manufacturing cost.
This development has significant implications for the potential establishment of economically viable space-based solar farm.
Professor Craig Underwood, Emeritus Professor of Spacecraft Engineering at the Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey, said: “This ultra-low mass solar cell technology could lead to large, low-cost solar power stations deployed in space, bringing clean energy back to Earth – and now we have the first evidence that the technology works reliably in orbit.”
Dr Dan Lamb from the University of Swansea said: “The successful flight test of this novel thin film solar cell payload has leveraged funding opportunities to further develop this technology.
“Large area solar arrays for space applications are a rapidly expanding market and demonstrations such as this help to build on the UK’s world class reputations for space technology.”
