CIGS/perovskite tandem solar cells
Flexible thin-film solar cells for spacecraft that stack a perovskite layer on a CIGS layer. The company says they reach 28 to 30 percent efficiency, like costly space-grade cells, at a fraction of the weight. It targets full-scale production from 2028.
Why it matters
Most satellites use III-V multi-junction cells built on germanium, which are expensive and in short supply. A cheaper, lighter cell with similar efficiency could ease a bottleneck for large constellations.
How the technology works
Flexell stacks a perovskite layer on a CIGS thin-film layer on a flexible substrate. The company claims 28 to 30 percent efficiency, over 90 percent weight savings, 60 percent or more cost savings versus III-V cells, cells up to 20 by 20 cm, 15 MW of production capacity, and radiation resistance with self-curing behavior.
It is running in-orbit demonstrations through Korea's Nuri rocket program and the ISS.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction