Optimization laser parameters to simulate solar cell degradation induced by space radiation

Abstract

Space radiation has a catastrophic impact on solar cells performance, appears as a degradation in their electrical and physical properties, this may cause a satellite failure; to overcome this issue, ground testing is required. In this paper, the pulsed laser was used as an alternative irradiation tool to induce degradation in solar cell performance in order to simulate the space radiation effect on solar cells. Firstly, the solar cells were irradiated with a wavelength of 532 nm at different locations, with the same power to optimize the most effective area to irradiation. Secondly, the solar cells were irradiated to the optimized location with different laser fluences; the results showed a degradation in electrical and physical performance. The amount of degradation is proportional to the laser fluence. Dark current voltage (DIV) curves have been measured before and after laser irradiation. Solar cell degradation rates have been calculated based on the Degradation coefficients (KL, RC) and electrical damage models.

Keywords

• monocrystalline solar cell
• space environment
• dark current
• voltage (div) curve
• pulsed laser