Multijunction Solar Cells

Multijunction solar cells have long been used in space. Solar cells are well proven in space as a fairly reliable and stable source of energy, capable of running very long time. The primary danger for solar cells in space is cosmic radiation and meteoric dust, causing erosion of the surface of silicon cells and limiting battery life.

Multijunction solar cells have multiple layers and have efficiencies higher than single junction cells. They consist of a 3-5 semi conductor for each layer.

Types of solar cells
All photovoltaic cells are represented by four generations:
1) The first single-crystal silicon cells are capable of generating electrical energy from the radiation source, whose wavelength coincides with that of sunlight.

2) The second generation is based on the use of thin epitaxial semiconductor batteries. There are two classes of epitaxial photovoltaics: the space and terrestrial. Space elements are effective for 28-30%.

3) The third generation of photovoltaics is presented quantum dots and devices with embedded carbon nanotubes.

4) No exists at this time the fourth generation of solar panels is expected to be represented by composite photovoltaic cells, which will combine polymers and nanoparticles, forming a monolayer.