Concentrator and space applications of high-efficiency solar cells—recent developments Available to Purchase

GaInP/GaAs cells invented and developed at NREL have achieved world-record efficiencies. We estimate that their production for space applications has grown to >$100 million/yr. Approximately 300 MW/yr of 1000X terrestrial concentrator cells could be fabricated with the existing manufacturing capacity at a cost of about 21¢/Wp. A resurgence of interest in terrestrial PV concentrators, together with the strength of the III-V space-solar-cell industry, indicate that III-V cells are also attractive for terrestrial applications.