Manufacture of solar cells on the moon

In support of the space exploration initiative a new architecture for the production of solar cells on the lunar surface is devised. The paper discusses experimental data on the fabrication and properties of lunar glass substrates, evaporated lunar regolith thin films (antireflect coatings and insul...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Freundlich, A., Ignatiev, A., Horton, C., Duke, M., Curreri, P., Sibille, L.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Coatings
Fabrication
Glass
Manufacturing
Moon
Photovoltaic cells
Production
Semiconductor thin films
Space exploration
Substrates
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Summary:In support of the space exploration initiative a new architecture for the production of solar cells on the lunar surface is devised. The paper discusses experimental data on the fabrication and properties of lunar glass substrates, evaporated lunar regolith thin films (antireflect coatings and insulators), and preliminary attempts in the fabrication of thin film (silicon/II-Vl) photovoltaic materials on lunar regolith substrates. A conceptual design for a solar powered robotic rover capable of fabricating solar cells directly on the lunar surface is provided. Technical challenges in the development of such a facility and strategies to alleviate perceived difficulties are discussed. Finally, preliminary cost benefit ratio analysis for different in situ solar cell production scenarios (using exclusively in-situ planetary resources or hybrid) are discussed.
ISSN:0160-8371
DOI:10.1109/PVSC.2005.1488252