Reliability analysis of perovskite solar modules under space relevant conditions

Abstract

The rapid growth of the space industry has led to an increased demand for cost-effective and environmentally friendly power solutions, particularly solar photovoltaics for satellites. Traditionally, III-V technology has been favored due to its high mass-specific power and robustness against harsh extraterrestrial conditions, but its high cost has driven the exploration of alternative technologies like thin-film solar cells, particularly perovskite solar modules. This study investigates the reliability of perovskite solar modules fabricated with a layer stack of ITO/NiOx/FA(0.80)Cs(0.20)Pb(I0.94Br0.06)(3)/C60/BCP/ITO on glass substrates, designed to operate in space-relevant conditions. Stress tests guided by the ECSS-E-ST-20-08C standard were conducted to evaluate performance under extreme conditions, including high UV exposure, elevated temperature and humidity, radiation hardness and thermal cycling. Current-voltage, external quantum efficiency (EQE), photoluminescence (PL), and time-resolved PL measurements were performed both pre- and post-testing to assess potential degradation in device performance. Preliminary results indicate that the perovskite modules can withstand extreme conditions, supporting their potential adoption in space applications. Further analysis and refinement of these modules are necessary to enhance their stability and reliability in the demanding space environment. This work underscores the promise of perovskite technology as a viable alternative for powering future satellite missions while addressing the technological and financial demands of the industry.