Black Hills Nanosystems — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: The proposed SBIR project will provide a pathway to dramatically reduce the cost of multi-

Black Hills Nanosystems — SBIR Phase I award from National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Amount
$124,943
Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase I
NAICS
Place of performance
SD
Period
2013-05-23 → 2013-11-23

Description

The proposed SBIR project will provide a pathway to dramatically reduce the cost of multi-junction solar cells. The project leverages a TRL6 micropackaging process with ~100% yield for cell assembly. Cost savings are critical as space-qualified multi-junction cells render large panel applications prohibitive. The proposed project aims to develop a greatly-simplified manufacturing process that can be performed by most compound semiconductor foundries. Thus, cost savings can be derived from increased competition and scaling by leveraging low-cost high volume manufacturers for wireless components and LED lighting devices.The preliminary 3-subcell systems has>30% efficiency at 60C-100C. For higher efficiency, a 5-subcell system has>57% efficiency.For CPV applications, LCOE of the 3-subcell system at 630 suns is 20.96 cents/kWh (real)/27.20 cents/kWh (nominal).