Mars optimized solar cell technology (MOST)

Solar cells used for all Mars surface applications have been commercially available space qualified AM0 devices optimized for Earth orbiting geosynchronous applications. Due to fine dust circulating in the Martian atmosphere, which reduces the short wavelength light component, these cells are not optimized for Mars surface operation. As a result, these cells operate at less than optimal efficiency. As part of an effort to address Mars applicable technology, sponsored by JPL and funded by NASA, a multi-year program (MOST) was initiated in 2004, to optimize commercial AM0 cells to the Mars surface spectrum. This paper discusses the overall program and performance results for the modified cells. In addition, the performance of the MER solar arrays will be updated to reflect their nearly four (4) year operation. This includes data for the daily peak current and integrated power, the impact of dust deposited on the panels, and the panel temperatures.