Lunar production of space photovoltaic arrays

The advantages of manufacturing solar cells for use in space on the Moon rather than on Earth are discussed. It is shown how solar cells manufactured on the moon could significantly reduce the cost of transportation of power systems to space destinations, including the Moon, Mars, Earth orbit, and transfer orbits. Silicon is abundant on the moon, and refining processes are demonstrated which do not depend on extensive use of reactants imported from Earth. Because of the lower requirements for refined silicon, the amorphous silicon process is preferred, despite lower efficiencies. Calculations show that the specific power of amorphous silicon cells can be adequate for most uses.