III-V multi-junction solar cells have taken over the lead in today's solar cell market for space. Due to the significantly higher efficiencies and higher radiation hardness the higher manufacturing costs in comparison with silicon solar cells are overcompensated. However, the development of the current state-of-the-art triple-junction solar cell for space applications consisting of the material combination Ga(0.5)In(0.5)P/Ga(0.99)In(0.01)As/Ge has been driven close to its practical efficiency limits of 30 %. This marks the end of a long development process which went on for about 10 years. Any next generation space solar cell with a real chance to enter the market will be most likely based on a significantly different concept. Several pathways are currently under investigation. This paper presents concepts currently under discussion - their advantages and their drawbacks and their challenges to turn into a commercial product.
内容記述
形態: カラー図版あり
内容記述（英）
Physical characteristics: Original contains color illustrations
Pathways to next generation space solar cells
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