PVTIME – Flexell Space, an in-house venture of Hanwha Systems, has announced the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) with Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (Airbus) for the development of next-generation space solar modules utilising tandem solar cells.
The agreement covers the joint design and development of space solar modules that are more than half the weight of conventional solar cells, while maintaining performance and efficiency.
In comparison to the 20-30% efficiency of conventional solar cells in converting sunlight into electricity, the solar cells to be developed jointly are expected to offer significant improvements in efficiency, cost, production speed and flexibility through the application of Flexell Space’s tandem solar cells.
The tandem solar cell developed by Flexell Space combines CIGS and perovskite to provide a lightweight and high-power source at a lower cost than conventional products, making it an ideal power source for the satellite and spacecraft industry. The flexible bending properties allow the solar cells to be rolled up and unfolded like a scroll, enabling them to be mounted and used to achieve the desired power output. They can be applied to a variety of satellite surfaces, including smaller and curved ones.
The two parties are pleased to announce their collaboration on the development of highly efficient solar modules for the space environment. By combining the expertise of both companies, we will be able to innovate space solar technology. Furthermore, the collaboration will serve to verify the real-world performance of the first new material solar cells in space. The advent of the civilian-led New Space era is driving growth in the satellite manufacturing market, with opportunities emerging across a range of sectors, including space exploration, high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS) – also known as stratospheric drones – and the space solar market. In the dynamic space market, Flexell Space’s solar cells are seen as a game-changing product that can replace existing, costly solutions.
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