Flexible solar power modules
Ultrathin, flexible silicon solar panels for spacecraft that recover from radiation damage while in use, built on standard wafers instead of costly specialty cells.
Why it matters
Space solar cells are usually expensive multi-junction cells with long lead times. Cheaper silicon that holds up to radiation could cut the cost and wait time for powering large constellations.
How the technology works
Solestial makes silicon heterojunction cells that anneal radiation damage at operating temperatures as low as 65 C. Polymer layers replace cover glass, keeping modules light and bendable.
The company says modules are rated for up to 10 years and that one year of LEO telemetry showed no extra degradation versus neighboring multi-junction cells.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction