Development of high efficiency thin silicon space solar cells

The improvement of the efficiencies of thin silicon solar cells for space use was studied. The representative 3 types of nonreflective surface structures were evaluated and their characteristics were clarified. Solar cells with these structures showed excellent electrical performance and the best result of 18.0% efficiency for 100 /spl mu/m thick cells was attained. Cells made from 2 /spl Omega/ cm substrates showed higher electrical performance and radiation hardness than those from 10 /spl Omega/ cm substrates. The electron irradiation tests showed that the current degradation of the cells with lower resistivity substrates were reduced and the improved solar cells can be used for future satellites.<
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