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Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. and Source Energy Company have joined hands to co-develop next-generation solar array products for satellites operating in high-LEO and MEO orbits. The collaboration combines the extensive know-how of Idemitsu in CIGS solar cell technology with the innovative abilities of Source Energy regarding spacecraft solar modules and deployable arrays design.
The partnership aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the fast-growing space industry: the limited supply of high-performance solar cells. By blending Idemitsu’s decades of R&D and large-scale manufacturing capabilities with Source Energy’s practical approach to building cost-effective and available space power systems, the collaboration sets out to fill this critical gap.
The space sector has long depended on Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, but their supply chain has become a risk factor due to material shortages and geopolitical pressures. Idemitsu’s proprietary thin-film CIGS solar cells present a strong alternative. With over 30 years of R&D and more than 6GW of terrestrial production, these cells are lightweight, highly radiation-resistant, and scalable. They help satellites last longer while cutting down on mass and cost since they maintain performance without requiring oversized arrays.
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Source Energy adds its track record in manufacturing and integrating reliable solar technologies that build on terrestrial production methods. With this collaboration, Source will expand its lineup beyond silicon-based systems to meet the rising demand for dependable solar arrays in high-LEO and MEO missions. The new CIGS-based systems will go through a detailed development and testing phase at Source’s Longmont, Colorado facility before deployment.
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