Electrical performance monitoring in long duration UV degradation test for space solar cells

Solar cells for space application must pass certain qualification tests in order to verify their suitability for the specific mission they are planned to be used in. In general rules, these tests must characterise the electrical performance and assure that the cells do not degrade below certain limits, given by the mission power requirements, when exposed to their working environment. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the hazards found in the space environment. In terms of solar cells, the degradation cause by this radiation affects the adhesives mainly and translates into a current decrease.