This paper gives a review and an update on recently developed ultralight photovoltaic modules based on amorphous silicon (a-Si) alloys. They consist of tandem-junction solar cells deposited by a continuous, roll-to-roll process onto thin, foil substrates of bare metal, high temperature resin or metal coated with insulators. They have the following features: size, up to 71 cm x 30.5 cm; total thickness, 8 to 50 micrometers; power-to-weight at AM1, 2.4 kW/kg; and power-to-volume ratio 6.5 MW/m3. Cells of a-Si alloys are over 50 times more tolerant to irradiation with 1 MeV and with 200 keV protons than crystalline cells and the damage is easily anneable. The modules have high power density and stability, they are portable, stowable, deployable, retractable, tolerant to radiation and meteorite or projectile impact and attractive for terrestrial and aerospace applications.
Ultralight amorphous silicon alloy photovoltaic modules for space and terrestrial applications
Ultraleichte Sonnenzellen-Module aus amorpher Silicium-Legierung fuer die Raumfahrt und fuer terrestrische Anwendungen
1986
5 Seiten, 5 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 25 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch