Humidity and thermal cycling effects on thin film solar cells

Extensive environmental testing is necessary to assess the ability of thin-film solar cells to survive launch and space operational conditions. Such testing is vital prior to the use of thin-film solar cells in space and the realization of their beneficial attributes. Included in these environmental analyses are the effects of humidity and thermal cycling. For humidity testing, this paper will present results from ground testing for environmental effects on amorphous-Si (a-Si) from one manufacturer, both bare and with coatings. For thermal cycling, the test cell will be bare. The test parameters and configurations will be tailored to support the upcoming AFRL Thin Film Solar Cell Experiment upon flight of the Deployable Structures Experiment (DSX).