Space solar panels for small satellites

Modular panel solutions developed at CNEA for CubeSat and SmallSat missions, from electrical sizing through integration and verification.

The platform combines high-efficiency III–V triple-junction cells with mission-specific mechanical and electrical interfaces. Standard configurations provide a practical starting point, while each implementation is adapted to the satellite architecture and qualification plan.

Standard formats

1U, 2U, 3U and 6U

Fixed or deployable configurations for CubeSat faces, with scalable series and parallel electrical layouts.

Integrated functions

Power and sensing

Temperature measurement, coarse sun sensing, redundant power connections and analog or SPI interfaces.

Mechanical integration

PCB and structural substrates

Integration on PCB, aluminum or CFRP honeycomb structures according to mission requirements.

Verification

Electrical and environmental testing

Visual inspection, electroluminescence, AM0 current–voltage characterization and high-vacuum testing, with qualification activities defined for each mission.

Technology maturityTRL 7 · advancing toward TRL 8

Development environmentCNEA · Departamento Energía Solar

Discuss a mission requirement