RECENT ADVANCES IN SOLAR-CELL TECHNOLOGY

The advances in solar cell efficiency, radiation tolerance, and cost o ver the last decade are reviewed, Potential performance of thin-film s olar cells in space are discussed, and the cost and the historical tre nds in production capability of the photovoltaics industry are conside red with respect to the requirements of space power systems, Concentra tor cells with conversion efficiency over 30%, and nonconcentrating so lar cells with efficiency over 25% are now available, and advanced rad iation-tolerant cells and lightweight, thin-film arrays are both being developed, Nonsolar applications of solar cells, including thermophot ovoltaics, alpha- and betavoltaics, and laser power receivers, are als o discussed.