Radiation resistance of thin-film solar cells for space photovoltaic power

Copper indium diselenide, cadmium telluride and amorphous silicon alloy solar cells have achieved noteworthy performance and are currently being investigated for space power applications. Cadmium sulphide cells had been the subject of considerable effort but are no longer considered for space applications. This article presents a review of what is known about the radiation-induced degradation of thin-film solar cells in space. Experimental investigations of electron and proton irradiation of cadmium sulphide, copper indium diselenide, cadmium telluride and amorphous silicon alloy cells are reviewed. Damage mechanisms and radiation-induced defect generation and passivation in the amorphous silicon alloy cell are discussed in detail owing to the greater amount of experimental data available.