Scientists are advancing solar power technology for space applications by developing lightweight cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells on ultra-thin glass. This innovative technology aims to provide a more efficient, cost-effective, and radiation-resistant energy solution for satellites and space manufacturing. Researchers from Loughborough and Swansea universities have achieved an efficiency of 23.1% on Earth, with the potential to reach 20% in space. This development is particularly significant as the global space industry is experiencing rapid growth, demanding efficient energy solutions for expanding satellite constellations and space-based manufacturing.
The technology was first tested in space aboard the AlSat-Nano CubeSat. Space missions currently rely on either silicon or multi-junction (MJSC) solar cells, with MJSCs being favored for their high efficiency. However, their complex manufacturing processes and high costs hinder scalability. “Swansea’s Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) has previously focused on clean energy, efficient power and microelectronics, semiconductors in healthcare, and over-the-horizon semiconductors but more recently it has been expanding into the development of semiconductor technology for space applications through our UK-first Space Semi-Tech Foundry programme,” said Professor Paul Meredith, Director of CISM at Swansea University.
“This latest partnership is an example of this as it addresses a critical need and a unique opportunity to support the UK’s strategic vision to capture a significant share of the global space technology market.” Meredith emphasized that their new technology provides higher specific power, a longer service life in space, and significantly reduced costs—key benefits for the next generation of space missions. The collaboration between the two universities is timely, as the UK space industry is valued at approximately £17.5 billion, with a rapidly growing demand for efficient and scalable solar power.
The European Space Agency anticipates a dramatic increase in space solar demand, projecting growth from 1 MWp/year to 10 GWp/year by 2035. This growth is driven by the expansion of satellite constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink and the emergence of space-based manufacturing sectors, including semiconductors and fiber optics, according to a press release. “Space technology is an exciting growth industry. Reducing the weight of the payload is critical to reduce launch costs,” stated Michael Walls, Professor of Photovoltaics in Loughborough’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST).
“This project aims to develop a lower weight power source by depositing thin film solar cells directly onto the protective cover glass. The technology will also enable longer deployment in space because thin film cadmium telluride solar cells are exceptionally radiation-hard.” The project benefits from strong industry support, with six partners providing technical expertise and in-kind contributions valued at £112,000. These partners include 5N Plus Inc. (Canada), AIXTRON (UK), CTF Solar GmbH (Germany), Teledyne Qioptiq (UK), Manufacturing Technology Centre (UK), and Satellite Applications Catapult (UK).
This new three-year collaboration is supported by UKRI EPSRC funding and utilizes advanced facilities at both universities. Swansea’s Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) boasts cutting-edge tools like the AIXTRON CCS MOCVD system, while Loughborough plays a crucial role with its National Facility for High-Resolution Cathodoluminescence Analysis, vital for investigating solar and optoelectronic devices.