Application of micro-optics to solar generator: results and manufacturing routes

Micro-concentration for space application enables the reduction of the cell surface and cost. We propose a new concept based on a static (without deployment) compact refractive micro-concentrator. The feasibility of the concept was demonstrated thanks to the realization of a concentrator module which was characterized electrically. To go further, cost and mass are key parameters. To reduce the mass the route is combining the reduction of the cell size to the reduction of the concentrator size/thickness. Subwavelength optics, a family of optics composed of structures with sizes that are smaller than the wavelength, are interesting candidates for flat and lightweight components which are applied to solar generator. We will also discuss possible manufacturing approaches for implementation of such concept.