Very High Efficiency Solar Cell

Program Manager: Dr. Brian Pierce

The objective of the Very High Efficiency Solar Cell program is to design, build and demonstrate engineering prototype solar cell modules that have high efficiency and are manufacturable. To achieve this objective, the VHESC program will develop technologies to reduce the costs of the solar cells and optical components.

The VHESC program final deliverables are to design, build and demonstrate at least 5 m2 of engineering prototype modules that are manufacturable and have an east-west field of view (FOV) ≥ ±60°, a north-south FOV ≥ ±25° , a system power efficiency (SPE) ≥ 40%, and a module manufacturing cost per m2 ≤ $1500. The SPE includes all factors that impact the system (module) power efficiency such as the power conversion efficiency, as well as the individual efficiencies of the photovoltaic (PV) cells.