Printed flexible solar cells for space applications
Printed flexible solar cell technology developed by Australia’s national science agency has been successfully launched into space as part of billionaire Elon Musk’s Space X’s Transporter-10 mission.
Sunrise brief: U.S. residential solar prices drop, strong interest in storage
Also on the rise: Shoals to invest $80 million in Tennessee manufacturing expansion. Beaming radio frequency solar power from space. And more.
Beaming radio frequency solar power from space
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology successfully beamed solar power from space to Earth in July. The experimental microwave-beaming satellite was tested for eight months, uncovering existing strengths and weaknesses that will guide future developments of space solar power.
Merida Aerospace developing perovskite PV cells for space
Merida Aerospace, a U.S. aerospace company, is developing perovskite solar cells for low-Earth-orbit satellites. It says perovskite solar cells could be a more cost-effective and efficient option than traditional cells.
Gallium arsenide solar cell achieves 23.1% efficiency via electrochemical porosification
An international research group has utilized a new porosification technique to build gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells that allow the recovery of germanium films. The new cell achieved an efficiency that is reportedly in line with that of other GaAs PV devices, but can be produced at a lower cost thanks to the reuse of germanium.
Ascent Solar announces 17.55% efficiency for CIGS tech
Ascent Solar, a US-based manufacturer, has achieved an efficiency of 17.55% for its copper, indium, gallium and selenide (CIGS) technology. It says it plans to release a new CIGS solar module with this efficiency rating soon.
Solestial wins NASA contract to develop solar blanket wings for spacecraft
The company received nearly $1 million to develop ultrathin PV for the next generation for space infrastructure.
Radiation-hardened solar blankets to power orbital logistics vehicle
Solestial’s ultra-thin solar cells will power in-space delivery vehicles for Atomos Space.
Sunrise brief: Caltech researchers beam solar from space
Also on the rise: FEMA funds $97 million Puerto Rico microgrid with 15 MW solar, 12 MWh storage. Redflow to build 20 MWh redox-flow battery in California. And more.
NASA and SpaceX launch two roll-out solar arrays to International Space Station
Two new IROSA arrays will expand the energy production capacity of a microgravity complex on the space station.
