Silicon remains the most common solar cell material and LEO allows for the production of a high-grade crystalline silicon (c-Si), suitable for solar cell applications. In the absence of gravity, a monocrystalline silicon is created that is purer and more uniform in properties. The uniform properties are critical in a number of high-performance device applications that use solar cells including infrared sensors.

The benefits of solar cells:

• Clean, renewable electricity using the Sun’s energy
• Low maintenance
• Rapid, scalable growth, more solar panels create more power
• Cost efficient

Uses of solar cells within solar panels:

• Power source for small satellites and spacecraft
• Commercial and industrial uses such as power plants
• Agriculture applications
• Used in small calculators, watches and other small electronics
• Solar lighting
• NASA and the US Department of Energy are conducting research into space-based solar power and how it can be harnessed and sent back down to Earth