Solestial space solar cells
Thin, flexible silicon solar cells and modules for satellites, made in Tempe, Arizona by Solestial, which York bought in June 2026.
Why it matters
Most space solar cells use costly materials with supply chains tied to China. Cheaper silicon cells made in the U.S. could ease a bottleneck for satellite makers.
How the technology works
The cells are ultra-thin silicon heterojunction cells built to heal radiation damage at normal operating temperatures, a process called annealing. Modules swap glass for polymer layers to save mass.
Solestial still sells to outside customers.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction