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A Chinese satellite carrying prototype heterojunction photovoltaic modules made by the manufacturer JA has been placed into orbit around Earth. According to PV Tech, the independently developed and packaged p-type heterojunction modules were launched on a Kuaizhou-11 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on 17 September and reached their intended orbit.
JA described the mission as the first in-orbit test of p-type heterojunction modules, a step that could prepare the way for larger-scale use in the future. Space-based photovoltaic applications have so far been dominated by gallium-arsenide technology, which is expensive but able to tolerate the demands of space, including radiation exposure and sharp temperature changes. As the space economy is expected to grow, cost efficiency is becoming a more important factor in selecting power-generation technology for satellites, which could open the field to crystalline silicon modules if their ability to withstand harsh space conditions can be shown.
JA said it would compare in-orbit performance data with results from ground-based simulations to evaluate the long-term reliability and degradation of p-type heterojunction technology in low-Earth orbit. If the validation targets are met, the company said the programme could help speed the adoption of mature crystalline-silicon technologies as an alternative to gallium arsenide in low-Earth-orbit applications and potentially reduce the cost of satellite power systems. It could also support the development of satellite internet, remote sensing, space communications, space-based computing and other low-Earth-orbit applications.
JA chief technology officer Dr Ouyang Zi said energy innovation has long driven human progress and that, as satellite deployment accelerates and the space economy expands, solar power is expected to play a growing role in future space infrastructure. He said developing more cost-competitive solar solutions for space is therefore an important strategic priority. He added that testing in orbit is intended to assess the reliability and degradation of crystalline silicon technology in low-Earth orbit and to explore more cost-competitive options for future space energy systems, noting that the technology will require long-term validation but is a direction worth pursuing.
JA said it would treat the mission as a starting point for strengthening its module research, development and manufacturing capabilities and for advancing scalable energy solutions for space exploration and commercial space applications. The company also stressed that space photovoltaics remains at an early stage of exploration and validation. It said large-scale commercialisation remains highly uncertain, that it currently has no orders related to space photovoltaics, and that the programme has no material impact on its current operating performance.
The United States has also signalled interest in developing new photovoltaic technologies for space applications, with the Department of Energy releasing 12 million US dollars earlier this month to fund research and development of advanced space-based solar photovoltaic projects.
A panel discussion on how space solar is driving photovoltaic innovation is scheduled for the PV CellTech USA conference in San Francisco on 13-14 October.
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