Recent developments in GaAs solar cells

The higher efficiency, radiation hardness and greater survivability at higher temperatures give GaAs cells a distinct advantage in space applications over silicon cells. Recent progress in fabrication technology has demonstrated the feasibility of high yield mass production of GaAs cells at a cost low enough to warrant their use in satellite power systems. Small panels have been assembled for several preliminary flight tests with encouraging results. Additional developments in concentrator cells as well as in all (AlGa)As cells for future systems such as cascade cells are reviewed. The (AlGa)As cells, in combination with silicon or GaAs cells, could lead to a multijunction cell with an efficiency 50% higher than any single junction cell.