Bifacial photovoltaic micro-concentrators for space

The key criteria for solar photovoltaic (PV) power in space are distinct from terrestrial applications. Ultra-compactness, maximal <i>specific</i> 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 <i>bifacial</i> 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.