Merida Aerospace, a Tampa-based aerospace company, has announced it is developing perovskite solar cells tailored for space applications, with a specific emphasis on enhancing performance and economy for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
LEO satellites often rely on solar panels as their primary power source, capturing sunlight during orbital solar exposure for sustained operation. These panels enhance weight efficiency by reducing the need for excessive number of batteries, enabling autonomous function during intermittent access to sunlight while in low earth orbit.
Gallium arsenide solar panels, with efficiencies around 30%, have been the go-to for solar cells in the space solar energy field. Gallium arsenide material exhibits unique semiconductor properties, making it ideal for space applications. However, despite their performance, gallium arsenide solar panels face challenges due to higher manufacturing costs, primarily stemming from the scarcity of gallium and their complex manufacturing process. These cost constraints have prompted researchers and industry experts to explore alternative materials and manufacturing processes to make high-efficiency solar cells more economically viable. Perovskite solar cells emerge as a promising alternative, offering distinct advantages over gallium arsenide. Perovskite cells present cost-effectiveness through simplified and economical manufacturing processes. Their flexibility and versatility make the material suitable for diverse applications, from lightweight to bendable solar panels.
Merida Aerospace, a comprehensive vertical space company, takes pride in manufacturing all components integral to space exploration. Currently, Merida Aerospace's research engineer, Andrea Marquez is overseeing the developmental project. Andrea states that "Perovskite solar cells have demonstrated remarkable resilience to high-energy radiation in space conditions, thanks to a self-healing effect. Furthermore, the arrangement of perovskite crystals is influenced by space temperatures, enhancing their light absorption capabilities."
