Research and innovation project

Low-cost PV cells for space usage (SATSOL)

A Grand Solutions project to develop lower-cost, scalable crystalline-silicon solar modules for small satellites, supporting a stronger European supply chain and access to space power.

Start1 April 2026
DurationThree years
ProgrammeGrand Solutions

Project goals

Space power for small satellites, at lower cost.

The project works towards solar modules built on commercial crystalline-silicon technology, adapted for space and designed for scalable manufacturing.

Cells adapted to space

Adapting commercial silicon solar cells to space conditions.
Module design

Designing modules and their encapsulation for use on small satellites.
Spectral conversion

Exploring spectral conversion with quantum-dot interlayers.
Space-condition testing

Testing under vacuum, thermal cycling, UV and radiation.
Manufacturing scale-up

Working on a manufacturing pathway that can scale.
Satellite integration

Integrating the modules into microsatellite platforms.

SATSOL is an ongoing research and innovation project, connecting materials research with manufacturing and satellite integration.

METR’s contribution

From research towards production.

METR coordinates the project and works on turning the research into something that can be made repeatably.

Project coordination

Keeping the four partners aligned on one shared plan.
Industrialisation

Preparing the solar module design for industrial production.
Production transfer and scale-up

Moving results from the laboratory towards a scalable manufacturing pathway.

Consortium

Four partners, four roles.

Project coordination, industrialisation, production transfer and scale-up.

Contact METR
Photovoltaic and materials research, module development, quantum dots and environmental testing.

DTU
Requirements, market insight and commercialisation.

Nice Visions
Satellite integration requirements and application and end-user expertise.

GomSpace