Space missions increasingly rely on compact and affordable satellites for communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research. As satellite designs become smaller and more cost-sensitive, Si solar cells have regained attention due to their affordability, leading to a growing market share. However, solar cells in space must operate under conditions very different from those on Earth, including extreme temperatures, intense radiation, and the space environment. This project explores the performance and potential of advanced solar-cell technologies for future satellite and space applications. Understanding how these devices behave under space-relevant conditions is important for improving satellite lifetime, reducing system weight, and developing more affordable space missions. Students may investigate how solar cells respond to different temperatures, illumination conditions, and environmental stresses. The project may also involve comparing different cell designs, performing laboratory measurements, analysing experimental data, and using models to understand device behaviour. This project is suitable for undergraduate students interested in renewable energy, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or space technology. It provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in solar-cell characterisation while contributing to the development of lightweight, reliable, and cost-effective power technologies for the growing space industry.
School
Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
Research Area
Photovoltaics | Renewable energy | Semiconductor devices | Materials science | Space technology | Electrical and electronic engineering
Suitable for recognition of Work Integrated Learning (industrial training)?
No
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
The project will be conducted in a laboratory-based research environment focused on solar-cell characterisation and renewable-energy technologies. Students will work with advanced measurement equipment, analyse experimental data, and interact with researchers working in photovoltaics and space-related energy applications. Depending on the project scope, activities may include laboratory experiments, computer-based analysis, modelling, and discussions within a research team.
- Students will gain an understanding of solar-cell technologies and their potential applications in space. They will develop practical experience in experimental measurements, data analysis, and scientific interpretation. Depending on the project scope, students may also produce a technical report, analyse solar-cell performance under different conditions, and contribute to a broader research project.
- Suggested background reading: Silicon's cosmic comeback: Temperature-dependent performance and radiation stability of ultra-thin silicon heterojunction solar cells for space applications
- Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468606926000584