Thin cell development and testing

Over 200 silicon cells, 62 microns thick, with average AMO efficiencies of 13.5% were used in the fabrication of 10 lightweight modules featuring flexible substrates, welded interconnects, and thin coverslides ( 100 microns). The ability of these five cells in series by three cells in parallel modules to survive the space environment was proven by subjecting modules to acoustic and thermal cycle testing typical of planned geosynchronous missions.