02.08.16
Ascent Solar Technologies has achieved a breakthrough in power-to-weight ratio for its superlight solar module, delivering more than 1700 watts of power per kilogram, operating at AM0, technically known as the space environment. At this performance, Ascent’s superlight module would weigh 66% less than a comparable PV system using the highest-quality crystalline silicon and with far less design complexity. The elimination of two-thirds of the weight is a critical improvement for satellites, space vehicles and space stations.
For space and near-space applications, power-to-weight ratio is a key performance metric. In addition to simplicity, the modules could dramatically impact cost. Depending on the application, such as low earth orbit all the way to manned flights, including contemplated missions to Mars, the fully burdened cost can be anywhere from thousands of dollars to $1 million per pound for a space launch.
“Ascent’s proprietary technology and unique manufacturing approach is ideally suited for space and near-space applications, as we are the only producer that utilizes both flexible copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) PV and monolithic integration,” said Dr. Joseph Armstrong, co-founder and CTO of Ascent Solar Technologies. “Our flexible substrate is the lightest of any in production, and monolithic integration results in a cell layout that is ideal for high intensity sunlight found in the space environment. While the design specifications for the modules were optimized for the space environment, they will be very useful for other applications such as unmanned aircraft, drones, as well as other terrestrial applications.”
For space and near-space applications, power-to-weight ratio is a key performance metric. In addition to simplicity, the modules could dramatically impact cost. Depending on the application, such as low earth orbit all the way to manned flights, including contemplated missions to Mars, the fully burdened cost can be anywhere from thousands of dollars to $1 million per pound for a space launch.
“Ascent’s proprietary technology and unique manufacturing approach is ideally suited for space and near-space applications, as we are the only producer that utilizes both flexible copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) PV and monolithic integration,” said Dr. Joseph Armstrong, co-founder and CTO of Ascent Solar Technologies. “Our flexible substrate is the lightest of any in production, and monolithic integration results in a cell layout that is ideal for high intensity sunlight found in the space environment. While the design specifications for the modules were optimized for the space environment, they will be very useful for other applications such as unmanned aircraft, drones, as well as other terrestrial applications.”