This assessment and modeling effort aims to develop an optimized tandem three-terminal structure tuned to perform in the space solar spectrum (AM0) with consideration of life performance in the space environment. Multi-junction solar cells provide ~30% conversion efficiency of sunlight to electrical power and have been optimized for different environments and efficiency improved by adding more junctions to the device. However, returns on performance diminish with each additional junction, leading to limits in overall power generation. One way to overcome this limit is to combine different high efficiency single junction devices through a three-terminal connection.

Optimized designs for low-cost, high efficiency three-terminal tandem solar cell will significantly improve performance and durability of spacecraft solar electric power generation.