Study shows viability of solar farms in space

Research from the Universities of Surrey and Swansea has revealed that it is viable to produce low-cost, lightweight solar panels that can generate energy in place. The study followed a satellite over six years, observing how the panels generated power and withstood solar radiation over 30,000 orbits. The research findings, published in the journal Acta Astronautica, could pave the way for commercially viable solar farms in space.

Professor Craig Underwood from the Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey said the mission, initially designed to last one year, is still working after six. “These detailed data show the panels have resisted radiation and their thin-film structure has not deteriorated in the harsh thermal and vacuum conditions of space. This ultra-low mass solar cell technology could lead to large, low-cost solar power stations deployed in space, bringing clean energy back to Earth — and now we have the first evidence that the technology works reliably in orbit,” Underwood said.

The new solar cells were developed from cadmium telluride. The panels cover a large area, are more lightweight and provide greater power than current technology. Scientists from the University of Surrey designed instruments that measured their performance in orbit. The satellite itself was designed and built at the Surrey Space Centre in partnership with a team of trainee engineers from the Algerian Space Agency.

Although the cells’ power output became less efficient over time, researchers believe the study proves that solar power satellites work and could be commercially viable. Dr Dan Lamb from the University of Swansea said the successful flight test of this novel thin film solar cell payload has leveraged funding opportunities to further develop this technology. “Large area solar arrays for space applications are a rapidly expanding market and demonstrations such as this help to build on the UK’s world-class reputations for space technology,” Lamb said.

Image credit: iStock.com/bombermoon