Solestial, a leading provider of radiation-resistant solar technology for space, has partnered with Meyer Burger, a renowned solar cell and module manufacturer, to exponentially increase their production capabilities. The collaboration seeks to address the need for reliable and cost-effective solar energy in space.
The partnership sets its sights on producing a remarkable 1 megawatt of solar cells annually by mid-2025. This represents a substanstial leap from Solestial's current output, which is less than 100 kilowatts per year. It also constitutes a significant boost to the global manufacturing capacity for space-specialized solar technology, currently under 2 megawatts.
The collaboration involves the sharing of Solestial's proprietary solar cell technology with Meyer Burger, who will then leverage their manufacturing prowess to produce the cells at their German facility. These cells will subsequently be shipped to Solestial's Arizona plant for final processing and integration into flexible solar power modules.
This strategic move is set to propel Solestial's capacity to meet the ever-increasing demands of their customers, while simultaneously contributing to the development of critical space-based infrastructure. By making solar power more accessible and affordable, the partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for space exploration and utilisation.
Companies like Starpath, focused on producing rocket propellant with resources on the moon and Mars, see Solestial's technology as a game-changer. With increased production scale and reduced costs, ambitious missions like Starpath's become more feasible.
