Worldwide
Search
Close
- Energy Solutions
- Space-Qualified Solar Cells
Space-Qualified Solar Cells
Overview
Sharp has over 50 years’ experience researching, commercializing, and successfully delivering space-qualified solar cells in support of diverse mission requirements. Sharp’s solar cells were first authorized for use in space by the National Space Development Agency (now JAXA) in 1972, and four years later powered Ume, Japan’s first operational space satellite. Sharp has since remained a leader in the development, qualification, and distribution of space-qualified solar cells. In 2002, Sharp began deliveries of germanium-based triple-junction compound solar cells for space satellites, a business line which continues to the present. Sharp then embarked on the development of inverted metamorphic triple-junction (IMM3J) cells, attaining a record efficiency for such cells before they launched with Hisaki, the first satellite equipped with IMM3J technology. To date, Sharp solar cells have powered more than 180 satellites and space probes supporting a wide range of missions from low Earth orbit (LEO) and the moon to deep space.
Sharp solar cells powering Ibuki, the world’s first satellite
dedicated to greenhouse gas monitoring (Photo by JAXA)
Our standard triple-junction space cells are lattice matching on a germanium base with a typical beginning-of-life (BOL) efficiency of 28.7% under AM-0 conditions. These cells have extensive space heritage, having been deployed in a wide range of space applications for nearly two decades. A high-efficiency triple-junction space cell is also offered, manufactured with a BOL efficiency of 30.2%. We also offer IMM3J cells, with a BOL efficiency of approximately 31.0% at AM-0. IMM3J cells may be produced and mounted as a series of connected cells in bendable glass or flexible film, to match space mission needs and planned orbit. Finally, we offer a silicon coverglass interconnected cell (Si-CIC) for space applications with a BOL efficiency rated at 17.4%, and an end-of-life (EOL) efficiency of approximately 13.1% for 10-year LEO missions, and 10.8% for 15-year geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) missions.
Sharp’s solar cells have been qualified for space operations by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) since 1972. Such qualification requires Sharp solar cells be subjected to extensive ground testing and qualification. Flight data is analyzed and used to validate ground-based testing regimens. Finally, JAXA mandates strict production process controls, which Sharp implements across all its manufactured space solar cells.
Products
Sharp offers a selection of space solar cells to meet the diverse needs of deployments ranging from LEO to deep space. Please contact us to discuss which product may be implemented to best support your next mission.
Sharp Space-Qualified Solar Line-up
| Product Type | Cell Structure | BOL Efficiency (cell) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard triple-junction | Bare cell | Germanium 3J | 28.7% |
| Standard triple-junction | CIC | Germanium 3J | 28.7% |
| High-efficiency triple-junction | Bare cell | Germanium 3J | 30.2% |
| IMM film sheet | Module | IMM3J thin film | 31.0% |
| IMM glass sheet | Module | IMM3J thin film | 31.0% |
| IMM glass CIC | CIC | IMM3J thin film | 31.0% |
| Double-junction glass sheet | Module | 2J thin film | 24.8% |
| Silicon CIC | CIC | Silicon | 17.4% |
Standard Lattice-Matching Triple-Junction (InGaP/GaAs/Ge)
- Triple-Junction Design – Germanium-based, n-on-p type, 28.7% BOL efficiency
- Space Qualified – Tested and manufactured according to the requirements of JAXA
- Flight History – Extensive 20-year performance history supporting international space missions
- Coverglass – Optional Sharp coverglass available for CIC configuration
- Reverse Bias Protection – Compatible with optional Sharp silicon diodes, which protect adjacent cells from reverse bias
Inverted Metamorphic Triple-Junction (InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs) – Glass-Mounted Sheets
- Inverted Metamorphic Triple-Junction Design – n-on-p type, 31.0% BOL efficiency
- Space Qualified – Flight tested by JAXA
- Lightweight – Cell mass 86% less than traditional triple-junction cells
- Glass Sheet – Cells mounted in bendable glass optimized for higher radiation fluences
- Customizable – Sheet size can be changed to match mission needs
Inverted Metamorphic Triple-Junction (InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs) – Film-Mounted Sheets
- Inverted Metamorphic Triple-Junction Design – n-on-p type, 31.0% BOL efficiency
- Space Qualified –Flight tested by JAXA
- Lightweight – Cell mass 86% less than traditional triple-junction cells
- Film Sheet – Cells mounted in flexible film optimized for standard radiation fluences
- Customizable – Sheet size can be changed to match mission needs
- Radiation Resistance – LEO level (optimized for shorter length missions)
Silicon Coverglass-Interconnected Cell (CIC)
- Silicon Design – p-type PERC cells with 17.4% BOL efficiency
- Space Qualified – Radiation resistant substrate with printed electrodes exhibiting thermal cycle resistance
- Affordability – Cost savings realized compared to dual- and triple-junction cells
- Customizable – Cell size and CIC thickness can be changed to match mission needs
By-pass Diode
- To prevent reverse voltage in cells, by-pass diodes are offered in 8 x 8 mm, 10.9 x 10.9 mm, and 12.8 x 12.8 mm, as well as customizable sizes
- Sharp has been one of the largest by-pass diode manufacturers for space applications
Contact us
For questions about our products and offerings, or to collaborate on your next space project, please contact us.