Innovative Research by UK Universities Signals Commercial Viability On Solar panels

Scientists have made a groundbreaking leap in clean energy research by deploying solar panels in space, promising a transformative approach to sustainable power generation and potentially revolutionizing the world’s energy needs.
Pioneering research from the Universities of Surrey and Swansea demonstrates that it is possible to create low-cost, lightweight solar panels capable of generating energy in space. In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers observed a satellite equipped with these panels over six years, tracking their performance and durability during more than 30,000 orbits.
These findings open the door to commercially viable solar farms in space, which could supply clean energy to Earth. The satellite itself was developed by the Surrey Space Centre, with the assistance of young engineers from the Algerian Space Agency.
The study revealed that the panels successfully withstood radiation exposure and maintained their thin-film structure under the extreme thermal and vacuum conditions of space. This ultra-low-mass solar cell technology holds the potential to establish large, cost-effective solar power stations in space, ushering in an era of clean energy supply. According to Professor Craig Underwood, Emeritus Professor of Spacecraft Engineering at the University of Surrey, the mission’s longevity, lasting six years instead of one, provides the initial evidence of the technology’s reliability in orbit.
In a parallel effort, scientists at the University of Swansea have developed new solar cells made from cadmium telluride. These cells are not only larger, lighter, and more efficient than current technology, but they are also relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The University of Surrey designed instruments to assess the cells’ performance in space, with the satellite carrying the experimental cells created by the Surrey Space Centre in collaboration with trainee engineers from the Algerian Space Agency.
Although the power output of the cells decreased over time, the research indicates that solar power satellites are indeed feasible and could become commercially viable. Dr. Dan Lamb from the University of Swansea highlights that this successful flight test has opened up opportunities for further technology development. The expanding market for large-area solar arrays in space is a significant driving force in building on the UK’s world-class reputation for space technology.
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