Title :
Thin HI-ETA(R) space silicon solar cells with improved end-of-life performance
Author :
Strobl, G. F X ; Uebele, P.G. ; Tentscher, K.H. ; Kern, R. ; Rasch, K.D. ; Bogus, K.P. ; Robben, T. ; LaRoche, G.
Author_Institution :
Angewandte Solarenergie, Heilbronn, Germany
Abstract :
In this paper, the authors report on two new silicon space solar cell structures of their trademarked HI-ETA(R) family which are designed for improved EOL (end-of-life) performance and low weight. The 2iTHI-ETA(R)3-ID thin (100-130 μm) HI-ETA(R) cell with integrated diode is qualified and in large volume production, its efficiency figures are 17.3% at BOL (beginning-of-life) and 12.5% at EOL (1E15 (1 MeV)e/cm2). The locally thinned (50 μm) cell is still under development, its mechanical structure is sound as already proven by coupon testing and now the electrical optimization work is under way. The target efficiency of this cell is 13.5% at EOL (1E15 (1 MeV)e/cm2) and is expected to be achieved towards the end of this year
Keywords :
elemental semiconductors; silicon; solar cells; space vehicle power plants; 100 to 130 mum; 12.5 percent; 13.5 percent; 17.3 percent; 2iTHI-ETA(R)3-ID; 50 mum; HI-ETA(R) space silicon solar cells; Si; coupon testing; electrical optimization; end-of-life performance improvement; large volume production; mechanical structure; Acoustic testing; Charge carrier lifetime; Diodes; Passivation; Photovoltaic cells; Production; Silicon; Surface resistance; Surface texture; Temperature;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 2000. Conference Record of the Twenty-Eighth IEEE
Conference_Location :
Anchorage, AK
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-5772-8
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.2000.916126
