Cando Solar has introduced its groundbreaking Cando Solar Cloth, a rollable solar wing solution designed to transform how energy is generated and deployed in space. Unveiled at SATELLITE × GovMilSpace in Washington, D.C., the innovation targets commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, emerging 6G communication systems, and space-based computing infrastructure.
A Shift from Area Efficiency to Weight Efficiency
Cando Solar Cloth represents a paradigm shift in solar technology from maximizing surface area to optimizing weight efficiency. As the space industry moves toward high-frequency launches and large satellite constellations, reducing payload weight and launch costs has become critical.
Traditional rigid solar panels are often bulky and expensive, limiting scalability. In contrast, Cando Solar Cloth introduces a rollable, ultra-lightweight design that significantly lowers launch volume and enhances deployment flexibility in orbit.
Advanced Design and Performance Capabilities
The innovation leverages crystalline silicon heterojunction (HJT) technology to deliver both efficiency and affordability:
- Ultra-Lightweight Structure: With a weight-to-area ratio of just 300–900 g/m² and a compact roll diameter of 65 mm, the solution minimizes payload constraints.
- Improved Power Efficiency: Achieves 23–35% conversion efficiency, with tandem HJT cells reaching the upper range.
- Optimized Weight-to-Power Ratio: At 1–5 g/W, it significantly reduces overall satellite mass.
This combination makes it highly suitable for next-generation satellite deployments and space infrastructure.
Cost Reduction and Scalability
One of the most compelling advantages of Cando Solar Cloth is its cost efficiency. Compared to traditional GaAs-based solar cells, the HJT solution can reduce solar costs by up to 90%.
Additionally, shared manufacturing processes between space and terrestrial applications—including agriculture, construction, and transportation—can lower overall satellite production costs by up to 30%. This breakthrough addresses a major barrier to scaling satellite constellations globally.
Reliability for Long-Term Space Missions
Durability remains critical for space technologies, and Cando Solar Cloth demonstrates strong reliability. The system has undergone electroluminescence (EL) testing, maintaining stable performance even after 10,000 roll-and-unroll cycles.
This ensures consistent energy output throughout the satellite’s operational life in orbit, making it a dependable solution for long-duration missions.
Strategic Significance for Space and Energy Markets
According to Huang Qiang, the unveiling marks not only a technological milestone but also a step forward in the company’s global expansion strategy.
The innovation aligns with the broader evolution of the space industry, where lightweight, scalable, and cost-effective energy systems are essential for enabling advanced applications such as space-based computing and next-generation communication networks.
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