Researchers at the University of Potsdam have created a new type of solar cell that can be made on the Moon using lunar regolith, also known as Moon dust. This development could revolutionize the way lunar cities are powered by providing a lightweight and efficient source of energy.
The team’s innovation lies in using a technique called “moonglass,” which involves melting the lunar regolith into a glass-like material that can be used as a substrate for solar cells. They then add perovskite, a highly efficient and low-cost material that can convert sunlight into electricity.
The result is a solar panel that can produce up to 22-50 watts per gram, which is significantly higher than traditional solar panels. The team also found that their moonglass solar cells are resistant to radiation, which is a major problem in space. In fact, they retained 99.6% of their original performance even after being bombarded by high-energy protons.
One of the key benefits of this technology is that it eliminates the need to haul heavy and expensive equipment from Earth to the Moon. The manufacturing process is also much simpler and can be done using just a small solar furnace and a few lenses or mirrors.
The study estimates that it would take just 1 kg of perovskite from Earth and a ton of Moon soil to make 400 square meters of solar panels, enough to power early moon bases. The energy payback is also faster, at around half a year, compared to silicon cells which can take up to 2.5 years.
The researchers also found that their moonglass solar cells can reach efficiency rates of up to 21-23%, which is comparable to commercial panels made on Earth. The panels are also more radiation-resistant than traditional solar cells, making them a promising option for lunar cities.
The team’s work could pave the way for a future where Moon bases are powered by local materials, eliminating the need to import heavy equipment from Earth. This could make lunar cities more sustainable and self-sufficient, and could potentially enable a human presence on the Moon in the near future.