Organic solar cells for space demonstrate radiation resistance, self-healing

RYAN KENNEDY | Source: PV Magazine | Posted 01/14/2025

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Conventional silicon solar cells degrade rapidly in space, and gallium arsenide cells are heavy and inflexible. Research from the University of Michigan suggests carbon-based solar cells could be a good fit for space applications.

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Research from the University of Michigan suggests that carbon-based solar cells, also known as organic solar cells, could be a promising alternative for space applications due to their potential to outperform conventional silicon and gallium-arsenide solar cells. Silicon cells degrade quickly in space, while gallium-arsenide cells, though resilient, are expensive and heavy.

In a study investigating the effects of radiation on organic solar cells, it was found that cells made with small molecules showed strong resistance to proton radiation, a major source of damage in space, while cells made with complex polymers experienced significant efficiency loss. Researchers suggest solutions such as thermal annealing or incorporating atoms to address electron traps that degrade solar cell performance.

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Source Link: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/01/10/organic-solar-cells-for-space-demonstrate-radiation-resistance-self-healing/

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Organic solar cells for space demonstrate radiation resistance, self-healing

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