Solar Power Generation

Solar power systems using photovoltaic cells have been applied extensively in space. They also have the advantage of being modular, thus being applicable to a variety of power levels. Due to their power per unit mass, solar arrays have the potential to be deployed in large numbers to attain very high levels of power to enable a variety of lunar base activities, particularly for production level In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). Initially, each landed lunar base hardware element is likely to carry their own independent solar arrays such as on landers, rovers or other mobility assets, stationary habitats, laboratories, and ISRU equipment. However, at a later stage it is likely possible and beneficial to have a dedicated, centralized base power system which can power a variety of the other base hardware by way of power transmission cables and/or recharge stations. Solar arrays are relatively simple including solar cell surface, harness, mechanical/structural parts, and gimbals. Apart from solar power systems using photovoltaic cells, there are two ways of using solar thermal energy—directly, in thermoelectric applications, or indirectly, using the Sun to heat a working fluid which then drives machinery to turn a generator (solar dynamic system). However, all solar power generation systems have the major disadvantage of requiring an energy storage system for power supply during periods when no sunlight is available. These considerations will be discussed further in this section.