Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include modular solar power cells, arrays, and power management systems for use in satellite systems and constellations. In one embodiment, a solar cell module can include: a module substrate including a high-emissivity side and a mounting side; a power management circuit mounted to the mounting side of the module substrate; a battery arranged adjacent to the power management circuit; a solar cell substrate arranged adjacent the battery and including an embedded battery heater; and a solar cell mounted directly to the solar cell substrate and connected to the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying, retrieving, and characterizing temperature and current-voltage properties of a solar cell may include a metal core printed circuit board (PCB). The metal core PCB includes current-voltage and temperature measurement electronics operated by a remote device via a communication unit. The solar cell is embedded onto the metal core PCB by way of a thermally- and electrically-conducting adhesive material. The current-voltage and temperature electronics and the solar cell are thermally connected to the PCB, and are electrically isolated from each other, while residing on the same plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying, retrieving, and characterizing temperature and current-voltage properties of a solar cell may include a metal core printed circuit board (PCB). The metal core PCB includes current-voltage and temperature measurement electronics operated by a remote device via a communication unit. The solar cell is embedded onto the metal core PCB by way of a thermally- and electrically-conducting adhesive material. The current-voltage and temperature electronics and the solar cell are thermally connected to the PCB, and are electrically isolated from each other, while residing on the same plane.