Abstract: A vehicle such as an aircraft on which a solar cell assembly is mounted on a surface of the space vehicle. The solar cell assembly may be prepared on an assembly fixture. The solar cell assembly may then be removed from the assembly fixture and positioned on a top surface of the streamlined body of the vehicle. In examples, the solar cell assembly comprises a first film, an array of solar cells on top of the first film, and a second silicone film deposited over the solar cells.

Abstract: A method of a solar cell array arranged on the surface of a support by providing and utilizing an assembly fixture having a smooth, concave surface. An uncured supporting film composed of a composite material (such as a carbon fiber composite) is mounted directly on the back side of the solar cells; and the film of composite material is co-cured on the assembly fixture so that the array of interconnected solar cells is bonded to the supporting film. The bonded and cured film of composite material and an array of interconnected solar cells is then removed from the assembly fixture.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an airfoil, and the airfoil or airfoil skin so fabricated, including a solar cell array arranged on the surface of the airfoil by providing and utilizing an assembly fixture having a smooth, concave surface. An uncured supporting film composed of a composite material (such as a carbon fiber composite) is mounted directly on the back side of the solar cells; and the film of composite material is co-cured on the assembly fixture so that the array of interconnected solar cells is bonded to the supporting film. The bonded and cured film of composite material and an array of interconnected solar cells is then removed from the assembly fixture.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a solar cell assembly for streamlined bodies are provided. The solar cell assembly may be prepared on an assembly fixture. The solar cell assembly may then be removed from the assembly fixture and positioned on a top surface of the streamlined body. In examples, the solar cell assembly comprises a first film, an array of solar cells on top of the first film, and a second silicone film deposited over the solar cells.

Abstract: A vehicle such as an aircraft on which a solar cell assembly is mounted on a surface of the space vehicle. The solar cell assembly may be prepared on an assembly fixture. The solar cell assembly may then be removed from the assembly fixture and positioned on a top surface of the streamlined body of the vehicle. In examples, the solar cell assembly comprises a first film, an array of solar cells on top of the first film, and a second silicone film deposited over the solar cells.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a solar cell assembly for streamlined bodies are provided. The solar cell assembly may be prepared on an assembly fixture. The solar cell assembly may then be removed from the assembly fixture and positioned on a top surface of the streamlined body. In examples, the solar cell assembly comprises a first film, an array of solar cells on top of the first film, and a second silicone film deposited over the solar cells.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell array on the surface of a support by providing an assembly fixture having a smooth, concave surface; mounting a film composed of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) directly on the surface of the fixture; mounting a film composed of a non-crosslinked silicone pressure sensitive adhesive directly over the ETFE film; mounting an array of interconnected solar cells directly over the adhesive film. An uncured supporting film composed of a composite material is mounted directly on the back side of the solar cells; and the film of composite material is co-cured so that the array of interconnected solar cells is bonded to the supporting film. The bonded and cured film of composite material and an array of interconnected solar cells with the ETFE film is then removed from the assembly fixture.