Design of optically transparent reflectarray antenna unit cell integrated with solar cells

An optically transparent reflectarray antenna unit cell design is proposed for integration with solar cells using staked perforated sheets of Acrylic. The design accommodates accurately the effect of solar cells on adjacent electromagnetic waves. The choice of the best possible transparent material for the design is presented based on the availability and ease of machining to the desired structure. Moreover, a study is presented to determine the optimum placement of solar cells with respect to the feed antenna to provide minimum losses in the antenna.