Presentation Details
| Shingle Matrix Technology as a Scalable and Cost-Effective Solution for Space Photovoltaic Modules Najwa Abdel Latif1, Bryan Mazor2, Teegan Cielaszyk2, Sebastian Birnkammer1, Elmar Lohmüller1, Norbert Kohn1, Jonas De Rose1, Benjamin Grübel1, Torsten Rößler1, Achim Kraft1. 1Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Freiburg, Germany.2Source Energy Company, Longmont, CO, USA |
Abstract
The increasing demand for photovoltaic (PV) technologies in space, driven by satellite constellations, higher-power payloads, and extended mission lifetimes, requires solutions that combine high efficiency, mechanical robustness, and scalable manufacturing. Conventional space PV modules, predominantly based on multi-junction III–V solar cells, offer high conversion efficiencies and extensive flight heritage but are constrained by high material cost, complex fabrication, and limited production capacity, restricting scalability for large satellite constellations. To address these challenges, Fraunhofer ISE enabled Source Energy to upscale the Gen-5 Mini module by optimizing shingle matrix technology for satellite platforms. The developed module employs a 1.5-column × 19-row shingle matrix configuration, achieving high packing density and lightweight operation with a total mass of 65 g and an active area of 629.5 cm². Adhesive-based shingle interconnection eliminates soldered copper ribbons, reducing material use and improving mechanical resilience under launch vibration and orbital thermal cycling. At beginning-of-life (BOL), the Gen-5 Mini module features an average open-circuit voltage of 13.11 V, a short-circuit current of 1.58 A, and a maximum power output of 16.12 W, corresponding to 18.8% efficiency and 248 W kg⁻¹ specific power under standard AM0 conditions. The module successfully completed a comprehensive environmental qualification campaign, including thermal cycling, thermal vacuum exposure, mechanical flexure, radiation, and UV testing, demonstrating mechanical robustness and an average relative power change of -0.2%. Manufacturing scalability was demonstrated on Fraunhofer ISE’s matrix technology pilot line by producing the requested production demand using the automated shingle matrix stringer. This enabled projected throughputs exceeding 10 MW yr⁻¹ and module-level cost projections below 5 $ W⁻¹ for the M10 SURFACE Stringer at Source Energy’s facilities. The Gen-5 Mini module illustrates how shingle matrix technology using silicon cells provides a mechanically robust, efficient, and economically viable alternative to conventional III‑V space PV modules.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.