The image shows the exterior view of Hanwha Solutions’ headquarters, provided by Hanwha Solutions.
Hanwha Solutions’ Q CELLS division (Hanwha Q CELLS) announced on the 9th that it will participate in a U.S. national space solar power demonstration project, involving the deployment of next-generation solar cells known as ‘perovskite-based tandem cells’ to the moon. This project aims to test whether Korean products can supply stable power in the harsh conditions of space, which involve extreme temperature fluctuations and strong ultraviolet and radiation exposure.
According to Hanwha Q CELLS, the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) has selected Hanwha Q CELLS’ ‘tandem cells’ for testing in the ‘Space Science and Technology Evaluation Facility (SSTEF-1)’ project. SSTEF is a space technology demonstration program funded by NASA, with participation from U.S. aerospace and defense companies like Aegis Aerospace. Researchers will install Hanwha Q CELLS’ tandem cells on the surface of the lunar lander to experiment with solar power generation efficiency.
The ‘tandem cells’ used in the experiment combine conventional silicon solar cells with new technology called ‘perovskite,’ theoretically allowing them to absorb twice as much sunlight as existing solar cells, while also being lighter in weight. SpaceX founder Elon Musk has also mentioned tandem cells as a power source for his space AI data center concept.
Hanwha Q CELLS CEO Park Seung-deok stated, “This project will be an important turning point in extending sustainable energy possibilities into space,” and added, “We aim to grow as a global renewable energy solution company that opens the era of space solar power, based on our accumulated technology and competitiveness in the solar manufacturing industry.”