Stretched lens array (SLA) photovoltaic concentrator hardware development & testing

Over the past two years, the Stretched Lens Array (SLA) photovoltaic concentrator has evolved from a concept with small component demonstrators to operational array hardware that is ready for space validation testing. Based on the same general concept as the SCARLET concentrator array that was successfully demonstrated on the NASA Deep Space 1 mission, the Stretched Lens Array is an evolutionary, performance-optimized, ultra-light, cost-effective solar concentrator array. Under a recent NASA contract, the SLA design was further refined and array hardware was designed, fabricated and tested. This paper will summarize the focus of this hardware development effort, discuss the results of recent testing conducted under this program, and present the expected performance of a full-size 7 kW wing designed to meet the requirements of future space missions.