Photovoltaic Cells for Very High Altitude Very Long Endurance Solar Aircraft

We propose a research and development path that leads to the creation of triple-junction, high efficiency (30%, and greater in time) III-V cells on 200mm Si substrates, manufactured in a volume-scalable 200mm silicon manufacturing infrastructure. This combination of efficiency, weight, and cost is not possible with any other technology. Our estimates show that specific weight, cost per W, and specific cost of >2000 W/kg, $50/W, and 8x10^4 $/kg, respectively, are achievable within a 5-year time frame. In addition, this advance would alter the business models for delivering high efficiency solar. By being able to access low cost silicon manufacturing infrastructure, scaling demand requires much less capital and time. Thus, demand spikes and access to high volumes of cells can be accommodated using this technology platform for high efficiency solar.