SpaceCdTe

This proposal offers a new low-cost technology for powering communications and energy applications in space namely, cadmium telluride-based photovoltaic (PV) on ultra-thin glass. Space PV is expected to experience a rapid increase in demand, the European Space Agency has forecast a PV production requirement of at least 10 GWp/year by 2035. Currently, global space PV is produced at only ~1 MW/year. An example of the rapid growth in demand is seen with constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink, providing global communications coverage and consisting of many thousands of individual satellites each of which are powered by PV. The project will target a step-change in cadmium telluride-based PV AM0 cell efficiency with unparalleled radiation stability. This will deliver a cost-effective and supremely lightweight technology capable of meeting the scale-up challenges for powering communications and energy applications in space. The project will address fundamental challenges aimed at advancing the technology towards validation in the laboratory environment. Targeting high specific power, crucial to reduce launch cost and number of launches for emerging space applications, by increasing AM0 efficiency and reducing the cell mass. Use proton and electron irradiation studies to prove that cadmium telluride-based PV’s will lead to much longer operational lifetimes compared with existing space PV technologies. Develop passive optical coatings for anti-reflection and simultaneously control emissivity and PV temperature. Develop a comprehensive techno-economic manufacturing cost analysis, testing the prediction of a two-order of magnitude reduction in £/Wp compared to current space PV products. Identify routes to manufacturing the cadmium telluride-based PV and determine its volume/time potential to meet the demands of the growing space PV market. The outcomes of this research will feed into the vibrant renewable energy sector and are an excellent fit with the EPSRC research theme, Energy and Decarbonisation. Within this theme, there is a clear focus on thin films, flexible PV, and the utilisation of new materials. The timeliness and need of this proposal are supported by a recent multi-million-pound investment made by the UK Government to jump start its ambition to use solar energy generated in space, part of the flagship £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.