Solar panels

ALMASpace's solar array systems are conceived for small and cheap satellites. Our photovoltaic systems are based upon different solar cells technologies: both terrestrial grade Silicon (Si) solar cells and triple junction Gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells can be used.

Si solar cells can be mounted on Al\Al sandwich panels where substrate is electrically isolated by a Kapton tape layer. The string is based upon series-connected cells. In order to obtain the maximum panel packaging factor, the number and dimension of Si cells can be customized to fill most of the panel available surface. Solar cells are fixed to the panel using a flowable, dual-part addition curing silicone rubber which can be vulcanised at room temperature.
Due to its low outgassing rate and low temperature flexibility it is recommended especially for space applications.

Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells are more efficient and have a higher voltage than Si cells, thus requiring a lower number of cells to form a string fulfilling the on-board power system input level. Each string is glued to a polycarbonate substrate, where the electrical contacts for solar cells soldering are derived. Cells are glued with the same procedure used for Silicon cells. The strings assembled on polycarbonate substrates are then screwed to the S/C structure.

Typical applications of ALMASpace's low-cost solar panels are microsatellite missions, experimental space vehicles, and hybrid power generation systems. Our design can be customized from the dimension of the single cell to the technologies used for the assembly of the solar strings and arrays.