Silicon Solar Cells Aim to Make Satellite Power Cheaper

Space Photovoltaics Silicon Solar Cells Aim to Make Satellite Power Cheaper

2026-08-07 Source: Press release | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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Fraunhofer ISE and Source Energy have developed solar modules for satellites based on cost-effective silicon solar cells. A shingle matrix interconnection and automated production are intended to make the modules cheaper, more robust, and faster to produce.

The project manager at Fraunhofer ISE, Najwa Abdel Latif, inspects the interconnected solar cells on the shingle matrix stringer at Fraunhofer ISE.(Source: Fraunhofer ISE / Sophia Bächle) — The project manager at Fraunhofer ISE, Najwa Abdel Latif, inspects the interconnected solar cells on the shingle matrix stringer at Fraunhofer ISE.
(Source: Fraunhofer ISE / Sophia Bächle)

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the US-based company Source Energy have developed a range of solar modules and solar wings for space applications. The modules are based on silicon solar cells and utilize a shingle matrix interconnection. Combined with automated production, they are expected to be manufactured significantly more cost-effectively than space solar modules based on the currently widespread III-V technology. Production is also intended to enable delivery within six months of order placement.

Silicon Instead of III-V solar Cells

Solar cells made of III-V semiconductor materials are currently considered the standard for powering satellites. However, their production is expensive, and the materials are limited in availability. This poses particular challenges for commercial missions in low Earth orbit, or LEO.

"Together with Source Energy, we have developed silicon-based solar modules for space applications, similar to those already successfully and cost-efficiently used on Earth," says Dr. Achim Kraft, head of the PV Module Technologies department at Fraunhofer ISE.

The prototypes are 321 millimeters long (12.64 inches), 209 millimeters (8.23 inches) wide, and weigh 64 grams (2.26 ounces). Their surface area is 629 square centimeters (97.5 square inches). The average power output was 15.6 watts, with individual modules reaching up to 16.1 watts. Under the test conditions of AM0 at 25 degrees Celsius (77 °F), the average efficiency was 18.8 percent. With a specific power of 252 watts per kilogram (approx. 114 watts per pound), , the modules are, according to the research team, comparable to other silicon modules in their class.

Solar Cells Interconnected like Bricks

In the shingle matrix technology, the solar cells are cut into narrow strips. These are arranged slightly overlapping and offset from each other, similar to the bricks in masonry. An electrically conductive adhesive connects the individual cell strips.

The solar modules use a shingle matrix interconnection for the solar cells. In combination with cost-effective silicon solar cells, this enables the production of modules at significantly lower costs. On the left, a single module; on the right, an entire wing with 108 modules.(Source: Fraunhofer ISE (left) / Energy Company (right)) — The solar modules use a shingle matrix interconnection for the solar cells. In combination with cost-effective silicon solar cells, this enables the production of modules at significantly lower costs. On the left, a single module; on the right, an entire wing with 108 modules.
(Source: Fraunhofer ISE (left) / Energy Company (right))

For this process, M10 Solar Equipment GmbH developed an industrial stringer. The system automatically connects the cell strips into modules. After a prototype phase at the Module-TEC of Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg, Source Energy installed the production system at its own site in Colorado in June 2026.

"As the heart of production, it enables us to manufacture PV modules for under 5 dollars per watt," says Bryan Mazor, Chief Technology Officer of Source Energy. The automated manufacturing process is also expected to accelerate production. According to the company, this allows the modules to be produced faster than comparable III-V-based products.

Robust Against Damage

The shingle matrix interconnection is designed not only to simplify manufacturing but also to offer advantages in space. "Three properties make the shingle matrix interconnection perfect for space: resilience to localized damage caused by impacts of small objects in space, flexibility in layout, and tolerance to extreme temperature differences," explains Najwa Abdel Latif, project leader at Fraunhofer ISE.

If a module is damaged, for example, by a small meteorite or space debris, the electricity can flow around the damaged area through the neighboring cell strips. This is intended to reduce the impact of failures in individual areas on the performance of the entire module.

Flexible Layout for Different Cell Types

The electrical layout can also be adjusted. Rows and columns of the solar cells can be arranged according to the voltage and current requirements of the respective satellite. The technology is also compatible with wafer-based solar cells with front and rear contacts, including PERC cells and silicon heterojunction cells.

"The shingle matrix technology is compatible with wafer-based solar cells with front and rear contacts, without the need to adjust the production line," says Abdel Latif. According to the project manager, the low-temperature connection process is also suitable for future silicon-perovskite tandem cells.

Tests for Space Application

For use in satellites, solar modules must withstand large temperature differences and maintain their performance as stably as possible over many years. Therefore, the research team selected materials that are designed to retain their properties even under these conditions.

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Tests confirm that after seven years of operation in space, Source Energy's PV modules and wings can still deliver 76 percent of their original performance.(Source: Fraunhofer ISE / Najwa Abdel Latif) — Tests confirm that after seven years of operation in space, Source Energy's PV modules and wings can still deliver 76 percent of their original performance.
(Source: Fraunhofer ISE / Najwa Abdel Latif)

Source Energy subjected the developed modules to comprehensive space qualification tests. According to the company, the modules met the qualification requirements for space applications. A power output of 76 percent of the original performance is expected for seven years of operation in space.

The results form the basis for Source Energy’s planned product line. In addition to cost-effective production, the shingle matrix technology is intended to help make silicon photovoltaics available for commercial satellite missions and other applications in low Earth orbit.