Advanced GaInP/Ga(In)As/Ge triple-junction space solar cells

A programme for the development of advanced triple-junction solar cells in Europe was initiated and supported by ESA and DLR. RWE Solar (D) lead a research consortium including FhG-ISE (D), CESI (I), University of Paris (F) and Astrium (D). The paper presents first results of several types of lattice-matched and lattice-mismatched triple junction solar cells achieving AMO-efficiencies beyond 24%. Additionally, the pre-development of the next generation of space solar cells with efficiencies above 30% is described.