Solar power utilization in space

Abstract

Most of spacecraft operate by electric power from a photovoltaic (PV) power system equipped on them. In space, PV systems suffer harsh environment in space such as radiation, high and low temperatures, strong ultraviolet light in addition to vacuum. This article practically describes what is the space environment and explains how space PV systems are designed to tolerate the environmental conditions in space. Particularly, the mechanism of radiation-induced damage on a solar cell and the structural designing concepts of space solar cells for improving radiation resistance are elaborated in this article. In addition, the future prospects of space PV systems are mentioned.