An IBC solar cell for the UPC CubeSat-1 mission

Abstract

In this work the fabrication and electrical characterization of interdigitated back contact IBC solar cells is shown. These solar cells have been specifically designed for a CubeSat based satellite under developement at the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC). Solar cells incorporate a transparent cover-glass as an extraterrestrial radiation shield. Front surface passivation was achieved using an Al2O3 layer exhibiting surface recombination velocities <; 100 cmls at the final device. Measurements confirm photovoltaic efficiencies η's-12%, with open circuit voltages Voc's ~650 m V and short circuit current densities Jsc's ~25 mA/cm2. A module with 11 IBC solar cells interconnected in series will be integrated in one of the faces of the satellite forming part of the power subsystem. Preliminary results confirm the good electrical performance of the module.