Space and terrestrial photovoltaics: synergy and diversity

Abstract A historical view of the research and development in photovoltaics from the perspective of both the terrestrial and the space communities is presented from the early days through the 1970s and 1980s, 1990s and beyond. The synergy of both communities, both at the beginning and in the present, and hopefully in the future, are highlighted, with examples of the important features in each program. The space community which was impressed by the light weight and reliability of photovoltaics drove much of the early development. Even today, nearly every satellite and other scientific space probe that has been launched has included some solar power. However, since the cost of these power systems was only a small fraction of the satellite and launch cost, the use of much of this technology in the terrestrial marketplace was not feasible. It was clear that the focus of the terrestrial community would be best served by reducing costs. This would include addressing a variety of manufacturing issues and raising the rate of production. Success in these programs and a resulting globalization of effort resulted in major strides in the reduction of PV module costs and increased production. Although, the space community derived benefit from some of these advances, its focus was on pushing the envelope with regard to cell efficiency. The gap between theoretical efficiencies and experimental efficiencies for silicon, gallium arsenide and indium phosphide became almost nonexistent. Recent work by both communities have focused on the development thin‐film cells of amorphous silicon, CuInSe2and CdTe. These cells hold the promise of lower costs for the terrestrial community as well as possible flexible substrates, better radiation resistance, and higher specific power for the space community. It is predicted that future trends in both communities will be directed toward advances through the application of nanotechnology. A picture is emerging in which the space and terrestrial solar cell communities shall once again share many common goals and, in fact, companies may manufacture both space and terrestrial solar cells in III–V materials and thin‐film materials. Basic photovoltaics research, including these current trends in nanotechnology, provides a valuable service for both worlds in that fundamental understanding of cell processes is still vitally important, particularly with new materials or new cell structures. It is entirely possible that one day we might have one solar array design that will meet the criteria for success in both space and on the Earth or perhaps the Moon or Mars. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.