JinkoSolar, SISP Ink MoU to Develop Solar Cell Tech for Space Applications

With an aim to co-develop high-efficiency solar cell technology for both space and terrestrial applications, one of the leading solar module manufacturers globally, JinkoSolar Holding has entered into an MOU with Shanghai Institute of Space Power-Sources (SISP), a military research institute in China.

As per the MoU signed, innovators and engineers from the two organisations will jointly develop space-based photovoltaic (PV) cells with a more efficient, low-cost, robust silicon wafer as the supporting bottom substrate and bottom cell.

The Chinese solar module manufacturer said that this high-efficiency solar technology takes advantage of inexpensive silicon wafers.

Also, it can be manufactured easily at a large scale and can achieve a higher conversion rate, it added.

The company further said that this technology has a more robust and rugged design, much lower degradation required for the next generation of solar cells in space.

On the back of its unprecedented efficiencies, this technology can also be used in other applications like auxiliary power units in vehicles, solar roof tiles, power plants, and smart grid systems.

However, this is an early-stage technology requiring additional development, module maker has said.

Commenting on the partnership between the two companies, Dr Jin Hao, Vice President of JinkoSolar, said that “the strategic cooperation with Shanghai Institute of Space Power-Sources has great importance. In the future, we will continue to increase technical cooperation, leading our industry in the name of technical innovation and providing more efficient solar panels with a wider range of choices for global customers.”

It is expected that this partnership between the two companies will fuel much-needed development, the company added.

Meanwhile, the Chinese module maker hopes that this cooperation will not only set a good example of PV technology space application but will also bring new opportunities for the Chinese PV industry in order to grow and develop overseas.