Low-Cost Multi-Junction Photovoltaic Cells

The proposed SBIR project will provide a pathway to dramatically reduce the cost of multi-junction solar cells. The project leverages a TRL6 micropackaging process with ~100% yield for cell assembly. Cost savings are critical as space-qualified multi-junction cells render large panel applications prohibitive. The proposed project aims to develop a greatly-simplified manufacturing process that can be performed by most compound semiconductor foundries. Thus, cost savings can be derived from increased competition and scaling by leveraging low-cost high volume manufacturers for wireless components and LED lighting devices. The preliminary 3-subcell systems has >30% efficiency at 60C-100C. For higher efficiency, a 5-subcell system has >57% efficiency. For CPV applications, LCOE of the 3-subcell system at 630 suns is 20.96 cents/kWh (real)/27.20 cents/kWh (nominal). More »