The review of modern solar cells for space application based on AIIIBV materials

The article gives the short information about the history of the development of photoelectric generators (silicon and based on AIIIBV compounds) and solar arrays based on them for spacecrafts. The main factors of outer space are listed and the evolution of structure is demonstrated. The principal structure of modern triple junction InGaP / InGaAs / Ge solar cells with indication of the functional purpose of the layers is given and their main characteristics are presented. The mechanism of degradation of electrical parameters of such solar cells under the action of cosmic radiation is explained and the possibility of minimizing this negative effect is described. The main methods and technological peculiarities of triple junction solar cells production are discussed. The review of solar cell for space application based on AIIIBV compounds produced by the world's leading manufacturers from the USA, Germany, Italy and the Russian Federation with its external appearance and the description of the features of the constructions and main properties are presented. It is shown that the most common is the solar cells size with an area of ~ 30 cm2. Information on established triple junction InGaP / InGaAs / Ge solar cells large area is presented (up to ~ 60-65 cm2). The world level of effi- ciency of solar energy conversion is achieved in industrial production, amounting to 26-30 %. The information about solar cells for conversion of concentrated solar radiation is provided. The basic directions for improving the character- istics of solar cells based on compounds АIIIBV are shown.