Development status of triple-junction solar cells optimized for low intensity low temperature applications

Abstract : Latest results of 3G28 triple-junction solar cells manufactured by AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH under low intensity low temperature (LILT) conditions are reported. Excellent beginning of life efficiencies (BOL) in the order of 35% at 50W/m2 and 150°C have been realized on a large number of cells with standard and LILT optimized design. Furthermore, temperature dependent irradiation tests with 1 MeV electrons and 1 MeV protons have been performed on LILT optimized 3G28 solar cells. Initial results show some indications of temperature annealing but also other annealing or stabilization effects already present at LILT conditions.