UK to Pioneer Space-Ready Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells for Next-Gen Satellites

Two leading UK institutions—Swansea University and Loughborough University—have embarked on a groundbreaking project to reshape space energy systems by developing ultra-lightweight cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells on ultra-thin glass. This next-generation solar technology is poised to deliver a transformative leap in powering satellites and orbital manufacturing, offering a compelling alternative to conventional space photovoltaics.

Addressing Soaring Demand for Solar in Space

With the UK’s space sector already valued at £17.5 billion, the global push for scalable, efficient space energy is intensifying. The European Space Agency forecasts a surge in demand for space-based solar power—from just 1 MWp/year today to as much as 10 GWp/year by 2035. This exponential growth is driven by expanding satellite megaconstellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, and the rise of space-based manufacturing of semiconductors, fibre optics, and other high-value components.

Why CdTe-on-Glass Could Outperform Existing Space Tech

Current space missions rely on silicon or multi-junction solar cells (MJSCs). While MJSCs offer superior efficiency, they come with high manufacturing costs and limited scalability. The new CdTe-on-glass technology, which was successfully demonstrated aboard the AlSat-Nano CubeSat, offers a lightweight, cost-effective, and radiation-resistant alternative. These thin-film solar cells are targeting 20% efficiency in orbit, with performance on Earth already reaching 23.1%.

UK Facilities Pushing the Frontiers of Space Solar

The three-year project is funded by UKRI EPSRC and taps into advanced infrastructure at both partner universities. Swansea’s Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) is home to state-of-the-art tools like the AIXTRON CCS MOCVD system for semiconductor development. Loughborough contributes its National Facility for High-Resolution Cathodoluminescence Analysis, critical for understanding the behavior of solar and optoelectronic devices.

Professor Paul Meredith, Director of CISM, highlighted the project’s strategic relevance:

“This collaboration builds on CISM’s broader mission to develop frontier semiconductor technologies. With our UK-first Space Semi-Tech Foundry programme, we are positioning the UK as a leader in space power solutions. Our CdTe technology offers greater specific power, extended operational lifespans, and lower costs—all crucial for the new era of space exploration.”

Professor Michael Walls, photovoltaics expert at Loughborough’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), added:

“Reducing payload weight is essential to cut launch costs. Our approach—depositing thin-film CdTe cells directly onto protective cover glass—provides a low-weight, high-performance power source. The material’s natural radiation hardness will also allow for longer mission lifetimes.”

Backed by Global Industry Leaders

The initiative is reinforced by six industry partners, offering technical input and in-kind contributions valued at £112,000. These include:

• 5N Plus Inc. (Canada)

• AIXTRON (UK)

• CTF Solar GmbH (Germany)

• Teledyne Qioptiq (UK)

• Manufacturing Technology Centre (UK)

• Satellite Applications Catapult (UK)

Together, the academic and industrial teams aim to fast-track the commercial readiness of CdTe solar cells for space, supporting the UK’s strategic vision of becoming a key player in the global space economy.