Moon's Radiation Environment and Expected Performance of Solar Cells during Future Lunar Missions

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the performance and degradation of various solar cells in the lunar environment, considering radiation, temperature, and technological improvements for future lunar bases.

Contribution

It updates previous knowledge on solar cell performance in lunar conditions using current data and explores technological needs for efficient lunar photovoltaic power systems.

Findings

2-3% annual degradation of solar cells expected

Relative power output varies under extreme radiation and temperature

Technological solutions like cooling and shielding can enhance efficiency

Abstract

Several lunar missions are planned ahead and there is an increasing demand for efficient photovoltaic power generation in the moon. The knowledge of solar cell operation in the lunar surface obtained during early seventies need to be updated considering current views on solar variability and emerging space solar cell technologies. In this paper some aspects of the solar cell performance expected under variable lunar radiation environment during future space missions to moon are addressed. We have calculated relative power expected from different types of solar cells under extreme solar proton irradiation conditions and high lunar daytime temperature. It is also estimated that 2-3 % of annual solar cell degradation is most probable during the future lunar missions. We have also discussed photovoltaic power generation in long term lunar bases emphasizing technological needs such as sunlight concentration, solar cell cooling and magnetic shielding of radiation for improving the efficiency of solar cells in the lunar environment.