Design consideration for lunar based photovoltaic power systems

A survey was made of factors that may affect the design of photovoltaic (PV) arrays for a lunar base. These factors, which include the lunar environment and system design criteria, are examined. A PV power system design with a triangular array geometry is discussed and compared to a nuclear reactor power system and a power system utilizing both nuclear and solar power sources. It is shown that the solar array is a small percentage of the overall PV power system mass. Energy storage for the lunar night is the main mass driver; minimizing the night-time power usage will significantly lower mass. It is further found that a tent array configured in an east/west orientation has advantages over a fixed tilt or horizontal array, due to power generation at dawn and dusk