Photovoltaic operation in the lower atmosphere and at the surface of Venus

• DOI: 10.1002/pip.3214
• Publication Date: 2019-12-03T04:57:25Z
• Authors: Jonathan Grandidier; Alexander P. Kirk; Phillip Jahelka; Margaret A. Stevens; Pawan K. Gogna; David Crisp; Mark L. Osowski; Thomas E. Vanderv...; Harry A. Atwater; James A. Cutts
• Keywords: Venus exploration missions; multiâ€junction solar cells; 500; 02 engineering and technology; 540; 0210 nano-technology; highâ€temperature photovoltaics; 7. Clean energy

AbstractLow‐intensity high‐temperature (LIHT) solar cells are needed for extended photovoltaic power generation in both the lower atmosphere as well as at the surface of Venus. Double‐junction GaInP/GaAs solar cells that may be able to operate and survive, with suitable encapsulation, for several weeks on the 465°C Venus surface have been developed. These solar cells have been optimized for operation under the Venus solar spectrum, which is different from that of the Earth.