Abstract: A deployable panel structure for spacecraft solar cell arrays and other collapsible panel structures. The panel structure consists of a number of panel sections mounted edge to edge along parallel hinge lines by hinges which allow the panels to be collapsed accordian fashion toward a support. The panels are attached to and deployed by an extendable boom which is extended from and retractable to the support. In the deployed configuration, the panels are extended to form a planar surface in which the boom is essentially coplanar. The panel sections are formed from a plurality of layers of thin film insulative substrate which is stiffened with ribs formed into the substrate during the manufacturing process. The hinges are formed of the same material as the substrate and bonded to the edges of the panel. The bonding is accomplished while the panels are in the folded, face-to-face position such that maximum stored energy and out-of-plane stiffness is available in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A solar electric power generating panel (solar panel) includes one or more universal electrical junction elements of approximately the same size and shape as conventional solar cells mounted along with the cells on a solar array substrate at any selected cell position or positions of the cell array. Each junction element has terminals which may be electrically connected to interconnects of the solar cells and electrical conductors such as lead wires of the cell array in such a way as to condition the element to serve as a series string termination with or without blocking diodes, an electrical voltage tap with or without blocking diodes, or a mounting for cell shunting diodes. Automatic assembly tooling may be utilized to assemble and electrically connect the solar cells, conductors, and junction elements into a completed solar array.