New Research Shows Antimony Chalcogenide Solar Cells Are Suitable for Space Use
Breakthrough in Radiation-Hardened Solar Technology Could Transform Space Power Systems
In a development that could reshape the economics and design of orbital energy systems, researchers have found that antimony chalcogenide solar cells—a low-cost, thin-film photovoltaic technology—can withstand extreme proton radiation levels typical of space environments. According to recent findings published in Solar RRL, these devices retain far more of their performance after irradiation than conventional high-efficiency III-V solar cells, making them strong candidates for next-generation satellite and deep-space power arrays.
Why Radiation Tolerance Matters in Space
Solar panels in orbit face relentless bombardment from high-energy particles, which can degrade semiconductors over time and severely impact power output. Proton radiation—especially in low Earth orbit and deep space—is a major source of displacement damage in photovoltaic materials. The new study, led by scientists at the University of Toledo and Auburn University, subjected Sb2S3 and Sb2(S,Se)3 cells to proton doses up to 1014 protons/cm² using a particle accelerator to simulate years of exposure in space.
Performance metrics before and after irradiation revealed that, at a displacement damage dose (DDD) of up to 1013 MeV/g, these antimony chalcogenide cells maintained a higher percentage of their initial efficiency compared to multi-junction III-V devices—both with and without protective shielding.
High Durability Meets Low Cost
Unlike III-V solar cells, which deliver efficiencies in the 28–32% range but come with high production costs, antimony chalcogenide cells are made from abundant, non-toxic elements via relatively simple fabrication processes. As noted in recent materials research, their tunable bandgap and high absorption coefficient make them versatile for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications. Their solution-processability could enable large-scale, lightweight solar arrays deployable on satellites, lunar bases, or Mars missions—at a fraction of the cost of III-V technology.
Current Limitations: Efficiency Gap
The trade-off is efficiency. Typical antimony chalcogenide cells achieve 6–8% power conversion efficiency (PCE) before irradiation, with the best lab results peaking at around 10.75%. This is significantly lower than the performance of III-V devices, meaning spacecraft would need larger surface areas to match the same power output—a major design consideration for missions with limited payload space.
To address this, researchers are exploring:
- Bandgap engineering – Adjusting material composition to optimize photon absorption.
- Interface optimization – Reducing recombination losses between layers.
- Tandem integration – Stacking different solar cell types to capture broader spectra.
- Advanced deposition techniques – Improving crystal quality and uniformity for higher efficiency.
Potential Impact on Space Missions
If the efficiency gap can be narrowed, antimony chalcogenide solar cells could enable a paradigm shift in space photovoltaic deployment. Low-cost, lightweight arrays with high radiation tolerance could extend mission lifetimes, reduce launch costs, and make renewable energy more accessible for emerging space players. They also offer resilience for satellites operating in high-radiation zones such as the Van Allen belts, where degradation is a constant challenge.
Industry Outlook
For battery and energy storage enthusiasts, the implications are clear: pairing radiation-hardened thin-film solar with high-density storage could yield more reliable, longer-lasting power systems for both orbital and planetary applications. As space agencies and private companies push toward sustained lunar presence and Mars exploration, scalable and durable photovoltaic solutions will be critical.
While III-V cells remain unmatched in efficiency, the combination of cost savings, manufacturing simplicity, and radiation endurance puts antimony chalcogenide technology firmly on the radar for space power engineers. With continued research into performance optimization, this emerging thin-film solution could become a cornerstone of future extraterrestrial energy infrastructure.
