Innovation in Solar Energy
Researchers have developed solar cells using simulated Moon dust, or "moonglass," combined with perovskite, aiming to create a sustainable energy source for future lunar settlements.
This innovation promises to significantly reduce the weight and cost of transporting solar panels to the Moon, potentially cutting launch mass by 99.4% and transport costs by 99%.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the advantages, the new solar cells face challenges such as lower gravity effects, vacuum processing hurdles, and temperature stability on the Moon.
The research team plans to conduct a small-scale lunar experiment to test the moonglass solar cells under real lunar conditions, aiming to provide energy for future Moon cities.