Solestial manufactures ultrathin silicon heterojunction solar cells and flexible power modules designed for space applications.
Funding
$17M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
8OAIFounders
Product
Problem
Spacecraft power systems require solar panels that can endure harsh radiation environments and extreme temperature cycles while maintaining high efficiency over long missions. Conventional III‑V multijunction panels are costly and heavy, limiting design flexibility for modern spacecraft.
Solution
Solestial provides silicon heterojunction solar cells and flexible power modules specifically engineered for space applications. The ultrathin cells are radiation‑hardened and can self‑cure damage through low‑temperature annealing, preserving performance comparable to III‑V multijunction products. Flexible, low‑mass modules replace traditional glass and composite substrates with polymer layers, enabling lightweight, conformable power solutions that can be integrated onto rigid or flexible spacecraft structures. Integrated solar power modules are delivered ready‑to‑install, supporting mission durations of up to ten years across various orbital and deep‑space destinations.
Target Audience
Primary customers are satellite manufacturers, spacecraft integrators, and mission planners seeking lightweight, durable photovoltaic power systems for orbital and deep‑space missions.
Features
- Ultrathin silicon heterojunction cells capable of low‑temperature annealing to self‑repair radiation‑induced defects
- Flexible, polymer‑based module construction that eliminates heavy cover glass and composite substrates
- Radiation‑hardening that ensures reliable operation in high‑dose space environments
- Module‑to‑substrate integration for both rigid and flexible spacecraft surfaces, reducing installation complexity
- Compatibility with a range of solar array deployment mechanisms for complete power‑generation solutions