AIAA S-111A Space Solar Cell Test

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of AIAA S-111A testing. AIAA S-111A-2014 is an AIAA standard that provides requirements for verifying that space-based solar cells will operate predictably. The standard takes into account the special care required for solar panels in space, which are very difficult to access and manage.

Due to degradation, the efficiency of the system will decrease over time. Depending on the location of the system, deterioration may occur at different rates. Several tests are recommended by the standard to understand the state of the solar system and its susceptibility to damage. The most basic of these is a visual inspection to evaluate the system for any visible irregularities.

Another important test is the electrical test, which must be used on each "string" or set of solar cells connected in series to understand the electrical capacity. Since these solar panels are in space, they are exposed to very harsh conditions. This makes testing for extreme heat and cold, bending, and proton and electron exposure incredibly important. These guidelines can help determine the operations and maintenance that will be required for the panels and provide an estimate of the system's lifespan.

This usually requires panels made of silicon that absorb photons to power a semiconductor and generate energy. PV arrays are placed on the roofs of buildings and houses, and sometimes in empty spaces on the ground. The average efficiency of these silicon panels is about 15%. Some other solar panel materials are currently under research and development. Chief among these is perovskite, which has a high efficiency of about 20%.

However, solar power in spaceships is much more advanced. Space organizations prefer gallium arsenide as the main component of solar panels instead of using silicon. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has confirmed that gallium arsenide can have an efficiency of more than 30%. These solar panels are generally limited to use in space due to their high cost.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with AIAA S-111A test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.