High Efficiency Solar Panel (HESP).
Abstract
A Family of high efficiency, weldable silicon solar cells, incorporating every feature of advanced technology developed in the past four years, was produced and subjected to space qualification testing. This matrix contained both field and non-field cells ranging in thickness from 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm, and in base resistivity from nominal two to one hundred ohm-cm. Initial power outputs as high as 20 mW/sq.cm (14.8% AMO efficiency) were produced by certain cell types within this group. All these cells had certain common features; a selectively etched front surface which reduced reflection losses, tantalum-palladium-silver front contacts, chromium-palladium-silver back contacts, junction depths approx 0.10 micrometers, and a tantalum pentoxide antireflection coating. For the field cells, acceptor doping was accomplished using a screen printed aluminum paste source. The baseline cell, which was 0.23 mm thick, nominal two ohm-cm, non-field type was produced in three sizes, 2 x 2 cm, 2 x 4 cm and 2 x 6 cm, the others in 2 x 2 cm form. The 2 x 2 cm baseline cell underwent a complete space qualification test cycle including all the typical environmental requirements such as temperature-humidity and thermal cycling. The baseline cell and eleven other types were tested to electron fluence levels of 1 x 10 to the 16th power equivalent 1 MeV electrons/sq.cm, fission spectrum neutron fluence levels of 1 x 10 to the 13th power equivalent 1 MeV neutrons/sq.cm, and were characterized with respect to their radiometric properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA043382
Entities
People
- Charles Gay
- Frank Uno
- John Scott-monck
- Paul Stella