Electromagnetically clean modular solar panels using components engineered for producibility

A spacecraft solar panel approach is described that uses space qualified materials, including conventional high efficiency crystalline cells, and engineers the component designs for producibility by incorporating a multi-cell transparent cover/shield in a modular configuration. A lamination approach allows the solar cells to be mounted onto a Kapton flex-circuit layer, which, together with a transparent conductive coating, can provide electromagnetic cleanliness needed for some missions. Sample modules were built and tested in LEO thermal cycling environments, with additional materials testing being performed in simulated outgassing, space ultra-violet, and radiation testing. The testing has shown compatibility with these space environments, consistent with the approach of using materials and design techniques common to conventional solar panels.