Re: We can meet all our needs through space development


I think we are all using the wrong figures. There is plenty of space
in space - forgive the pun. The real figure of merit is Kw/Kg. The
mass of solar cells has not been dicussed. Yes 40% is attainable, in
the lab with quite a large mass per surfae area. The latest solar
panels involve printing onto polymer. Now I go to a stationers and see
that paper is quoted at 80g/m^2. A polymer substrate will be of the
same order. There are problems of rad harness etc. Personaly I think
lower efficiencies and thinner cells may be the answer.

  - Ian Parker

Your commentary is off-the-mark. Laboratory systems are not more
massive per unit area. Concentrator systems with thin film dielectric
reflectors like GBO film are less massive than paper on an area
basis. And while NREL is a laboratory, their test fixtures are placed
outdoors in the elements like any other solar panel system

http://www.nrel.gov/solar/

The key factor is cost per watt electrical since that determines the
cost of your energy. Mass is important since in a flight system it
translates to the cost per watt again. So, cost per kg is important
and number of kg per sq m is important because of the way they impact
the figure of merit - cost per peak watt.

.

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