Issued patent
Robotic Assembly of Photovoltaic Arrays
An issued NASA patent from the Technology Transfer catalog.
About this technology
Overview
NASA researchers have developed a novel process for assembling thin-film solar cells into larger solar arrays. Current methods for solar array manufacturing depend on time-consuming, manual assembly of solar cells into multi-cell arrays. Print-assisted photovoltaic assembly (PAPA) is an assembly process that leverages robotic automation to build fully functional flexible thin-film solar arrays. By increasing manufacturing efficiency, PAPA's no-touch technology can reduce labor costs, decrease time-to-market, and enable assembly of large-scale solar arrays of over 500kW. This increased efficiency can help meet growing demand for large solar arrays in residential and satellite applications. Compatible with all currently available thin-film and 3D-printed solar cell materials, PAPA is capable of integrating with current and future solar cell technologies. NASA is seeking licensees that may benefit from low-cost, automated assembly of large-scale solar arrays.