Solar Cell Array For Use In Aerospace Application, And A Method Of Assembly Thereof

摘要

A space based solar array has a substrate on which are placed a plurality of spaced apart solar cells. A transparent adhesive bonding layer is on the plurality of solar cells covering the solar cells and the substrate between said solar cells. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive bonding layer is silicone. A transparent rigid buffer layer is on the transparent adhesive bonding layer. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent rigid buffer layer is made of polyimide and has properties suitable for the application of performance- or durability-enhancing thin-film coatings. A transparent thin-film stack including inorganic radiation protection layer is on the transparent rigid buffer layer. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent radiation protection layer is made of silica, alumina or thin glass. Performance enhancing layers can also be included into the thin film stack for anti-reflection and ESD control purposes.