JA Solar begins first P-HJT space photovoltaic test

(SpaceEnergy) JA Solar has placed its P-type heterojunction photovoltaic modules into orbit for the company's first space validation of the technology, targeting possible future large-scale commercial applications.

The independently developed and packaged P-HJT modules launched on 17 September and reached their planned orbit. JA Solar said the hardware will be exposed directly to radiation, high-energy particles and large temperature variations.

The company will compare measurements from orbit with ground-based simulation results to assess the long-term reliability and degradation of crystalline-silicon P-HJT technology in low Earth orbit.

If its validation targets are achieved, JA Solar said the technology could support greater use of mature crystalline-silicon manufacturing as an alternative to gallium arsenide for low-Earth-orbit applications, potentially reducing satellite power-system costs.

Chief technology officer Ouyang Zi said the company aims through orbital testing “to assess the reliability and degradation of crystalline silicon technology in low-Earth orbit”.

JA Solar cautioned that space photovoltaics remain at an early stage of exploration and validation and that large-scale commercialisation is highly uncertain. It currently has no space-PV orders, and the programme has no material effect on its operating performance.