Organic and perovskite solar cells for space applications

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential of organic and perovskite solar cells for space applications, highlighting a successful stratospheric flight demonstrating their operation in extraterrestrial conditions, which could revolutionize space-based solar power.

Contribution

First demonstration of organic-based solar cell operation in extraterrestrial conditions via a stratospheric mission, indicating their potential for space applications.

Findings

Organic and perovskite solar cells can operate in space-like conditions.

Stratospheric flight demonstrates feasibility of organic photovoltaics in space.

Potential for organic photovoltaics to replace inorganic solar cells in space.

Abstract

For almost sixty years, solar energy for space applications has relied on inorganic photovoltaics, evolving from solar cells made of single crystalline silicon to triple junctions based on germanium and III-V alloys. The class of organic-based photovoltaics, which ranges from all-organic to hybrid perovskites, has the potential of becoming a disruptive technology in space applications, thanks to the unique combination of appealing intrinsic properties (e.g. record high specific power, tunable absorption window) and processing possibilities. Here, we report on the launch of the stratospheric mission OSCAR, which demonstrated for the first time organic-based solar cell operation in extra-terrestrial conditions. This successful maiden flight for organic-based photovoltaics opens a new paradigm for solar electricity in space, from satellites to orbital and planetary space stations.