Solar Cell for use in Space

by Ryan Gittens

Submitted : Fall 2012

In this work, a method of extracting parameters from a single current-voltage (I-V) curve of a thin-film solar cell is used to determine the area of its design. By using a computer algebra system, a function was fit to the given data plot and used to find the area required to produce a certain amount of power. The thin film technology is undergoing research by NASA for possible application in space, where power density is the number one criteria. The results show that this type of solar cell is not as efficient as wafer cells. However, because of the high versatility, low cost and low weight, this design is ideal for usage on space crafts bombarded with high intensity radiation and instances where weight budget is a major factor.

[ Back ]