High Efficiency Flexible Thin Multi-Junction Solar Cells

ELI has recently produced ~16% AM0 efficiency crack-free flexible solar cells. We also developed over 25% AM0 efficiency thin film solar cell technology. As future demands are made for higher efficiency, improved Watt/weight, Watt/area, Watt/cost, it is clear that the current approaches should be improved to reflect new requirements. In order to achieve over 30+ efficiency flexible solar cells to meet next generation space power requirements  ELI propose to develop (1) multi-band AR coating on high efficiency solar cell that we already have (2) develop processing methodology for improved fill factor and efficiency for space application including metal finger size and thickness (3) develop/improve scalable processes for crack-free bonding to lightweight flexible substrate (1 mil thick Ti foil, or flexible kapton or polymer) for 1000 W/kg specific power and stowability. Once we optimized our high efficiency flexible cells for space applications, we will move on to develop multiple junction cells using combined MOCVD and MBE approach  for >33% ( 35%) AM0 flexible solar cells and arrays in phase II and phase III.   BENEFIT: High efficiency, high specific power (>1000W/Kg), and cost effective solar cells and modules have many applications in both military and commercial sectors. These applications include but are not limited to space craft, satellites, submarines, electrical vehicles, residential co-generators, and many remote field units. Many U.S. companies are interested in high performance, cost effective solar cells and modules, including aerospace industries, utility firms, auto makers, defense industries, and many others.