Optimal solar array design and accelerated life tests of CdS/Cu2S solar cells

Accelerated life tests show that CdS/Cu2S solar cell lifetimes increase with lower temperature, cyclic light, and a nitrogen gas ambient. Extrapolated lifetimes for cells kept below 50°C in nitrogen gas with earth deployment exceed 20 years. Recovery of degraded cells in dark, 21°C environment were as high as 45%. Solar array power loss with shading is reduced as much as a factor of 2.3 by correct connection schemes and by as much as a 7.6 factor using protective diodes.