Silicon solar cells could cut satellite power costs by up to 90%

A review led by the University of Surrey found that switching to modern silicon solar cells could cut satellite power costs by as much as 90% based on beginning-of-life performance. The change could also halve the weight of solar cells on a spacecraft, freeing mass for fuel or instruments or reducing launch costs.

• Silicon cells could cut satellite power costs by up to 90%
• Solar cell mass on a spacecraft could be halved
• Freed mass can go to fuel, instruments or lower launch costs
• The review was led by the University of Surrey