Hanwha Systems, Airbus to jointly develop space solar cells

Flexell Space, South Korea's Hanwha Systems Co.'s in-house venture, said on Thursday that it signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Germany's Airbus Defence and Space to develop next-generation space solar cell modules.

Flexell Space and Airbus Defence and Space plan to develop space solar cell modules that are half the weight of existing solar cells while maintaining performance and efficiency.

Flexell Space expects the jointly developed solar cells to be differentiated products that feature low cost, high efficiency, fast production and flexibility by applying tandem solar cell technology.

The tandem solar cells are made with a structure that combines CIGS thin-film solar cells with perovskite, offering lighter weight and higher output compared to existing products.

CIGS is a compound material used in solar cells, consisting of copper, indium, gallium and selenium in specific ratios. It is lightweight, thin and has excellent light absorption capabilities.

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com