Bifacial photovoltaic micro-concentrators for space

The key criteria for solar photovoltaic (PV) power in space are distinct from terrestrial applications. Ultra-compactness, maximal specific power (kW/kg and kW/m3), liberal optical tolerance, ease of fabrication, adequate heat rejection, and resilience under cosmic radiation are paramount. These considerations prompted the development of PV micro-concentrators. Here, we present and evaluate new ultra-compact, high-performance micro-concentrators for bifacial cells, in particular perovskites, which can attain concentration levels of tens of suns at the relatively large optical tolerances required in space. These designs can be tailored to a desired balance of concentration between the two sides of the bifacial cell.