Cooperation agreement to promote solar panels for satellite power systems
Idemitsu Kosan and Source Energy Company are working together to jointly develop solar panel products for use in high LEO and MEO satellite applications. The project will combine Idemitsu’s CIGS thin-film solar cell technology with Source Energy’s solar modules and deployable array development capacity.
The announcement comes amid increasing demand for satellite power systems and a shortage of high-quality solar cells. This effort aims to provide a safe alternative to the gallium arsenide cells currently central to the satellite sector and which pose significant geopolitical and supply chain risks.
Idemitsu’s CIGS units feature radiation resistance, light weight and scalable production, supporting extended satellite life and reduced launch mass. Source Energy brings systems integration and manufacturing experience and plans to lead development and testing in Colorado, focused on deployment for high LEO and MEO satellite projects.
Hiroshi Kawaguchi of Idemitsu Kosan said: “We are honored to take this step into the future with an incredible partner, Source Energy, a company that continues to innovate in the space industry. We believe our technology is not just a part, but a cornerstone of making space more accessible for a wide range of applications, from LEO constellations to high-radiation missions, and accelerating solutions to global-scale challenges that can be addressed from space. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute to sustainable and resilient space development.”
Philip Keller, CEO of Source Energy Company, said, “Our mission is to be a breakthrough supplier that redefines the availability and reliability of space-grade solar panels. Idemitsu’s advanced CIGS solar cell is the perfect technology to help Source expand our existing product offerings and better serve our growing list of flight customers. We look forward to merging Japanese and American technology to create solutions that meet the growing demand for reliable satellite power systems.”
