Loughborough and Swansea universities have embarked on an innovative collaboration aimed at advancing solar energy technology for space applications. This initiative focuses on developing lightweight cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells on ultra-thin glass, which is poised to revolutionize energy systems for satellites and space-based manufacturing.
As the global space industry continues to thrive, currently valued at £17.5 billion in the UK, there is an increasing demand for efficient and scalable solar power solutions. The European Space Agency forecasts a dramatic rise in space solar demand, predicting an increase from 1 MWp/year to 10 GWp/year by 2035. This surge is driven by the expansion of satellite constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, and the growing need for space-based manufacturing in sectors like semiconductors and fiber optics.
At present, space missions primarily utilize silicon or multi-junction solar cells (MJSCs), with MJSCs being favored for their high efficiency. However, their complex manufacturing processes and elevated costs pose significant challenges to scalability. The newly developed CdTe-on-glass technology, which was first tested in space aboard the AlSat-Nano CubeSat, offers a lighter, more cost-effective, and highly radiation-resistant alternative. This technology aims for 20% efficiency in space while already achieving 23.1% efficiency on Earth.
This three-year project, supported by UKRI EPSRC funding, harnesses the exceptional facilities available at both universities. Swansea’s Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) boasts advanced tools, including the AIXTRON CCS MOCVD system, while Loughborough contributes its National Facility for High-Resolution Cathodoluminescence Analysis, crucial for researching solar and optoelectronic devices.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Michael Walls, Professor of Photovoltaics at Loughborough’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), stated, “Space technology is an exciting growth industry. Reducing the weight of the payload is critical to lowering launch costs. This project aims to create a lighter power source by depositing thin film solar cells directly onto the protective cover glass. Furthermore, this technology will allow for longer deployment in space, as thin film cadmium telluride solar cells are exceptionally resistant to radiation.”
Professor Paul Meredith, Director of CISM at Swansea University, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting, “CISM has previously focused on clean energy, efficient power, and microelectronics, as well as semiconductors in healthcare. Recently, we have expanded into developing semiconductor technology for space applications through our UK-first Space Semi-Tech Foundry program. This partnership addresses a critical need and presents a unique opportunity to support the UK’s strategic vision for capturing a substantial share of the global space technology market. Our technology provides higher specific power, extended service life in space, and significantly lower costs—essential advantages for the next generation of space missions.”
The project also enjoys robust industry support, with six partners contributing technical expertise and in-kind assistance valued at £112,000. The partners include 5N Plus Inc. (Canada), AIXTRON (UK), CTF Solar GmbH (Germany), Teledyne Qioptiq (UK), Manufacturing Technology Centre (UK), and Satellite Applications.
### Additional Information
Loughborough University is recognized for its leading position in research, teaching excellence, and strong industry collaborations. It has received five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and has been recognized as the best university worldwide for sports-related subjects in the 2025 QS World University Rankings for nine consecutive years. Loughborough is also highly ranked in various university guides, consistently placing within the top twenty UK universities.
Swansea University, established in 1920, is a research-led institution located along Swansea Bay in South Wales, attracting over 28,000 students globally. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and has achieved notable rankings, including its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
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