Space Solar Cells Market Report 2026

The space solar cells market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.38 billion in 2025 to $1.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to improvements in photovoltaic efficiency, radiation-hardened solar cell development, adoption in satellite and spacecraft power systems, standardization of space-grade panels, integration with power management electronics.

The space solar cells market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.43 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to development of flexible and lightweight solar panels, expansion in mega satellite constellations, growth in deep-space mission power requirements, integration with energy storage systems, adoption of advanced tracking and optimization technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include high-efficiency photovoltaic innovations, radiation-resistant solar technologies, integrated power management systems, space-grade solar cell testing and qualification, onboard energy storage and thermal management.

The rising number of satellite launches is expected to drive the growth of the space solar cells market in the coming years. Satellite launches refer to the process of deploying artificial satellites into space using launch vehicles or rockets. The growing demand for satellite launches is driven by the increasing need for connectivity, as more regions seek reliable internet access through satellite-based broadband services. Space solar cells enable these launches by providing continuous and dependable power in the harsh conditions of space, supporting long-duration missions. They improve satellite performance by powering onboard systems, communication equipment, and instruments, thereby enhancing mission efficiency and operational reliability. For example, in May 2025, the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), a US-based trade association, reported that a total of 259 launches, including 224 commercially procured, were conducted in 2024, and global commercial launch revenues rose to $9.3 billion - a 30% increase compared to 2023. Therefore, the rising number of satellite launches is fueling the growth of the space solar cells market.

Leading companies in the space solar cells sector are investing in innovative technologies like CubeSats for in-orbit testing to validate solar cell performance, improve efficiency, and grow their market presence. CubeSats are small, modular spacecraft designed to carry experimental photovoltaic cells, deployable solar arrays, and wireless power systems into orbit. These compact platforms offer a cost-effective way to test solar technologies under actual space conditions. For instance, in January 2023, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) launched the 50-kg Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD) aboard a Momentus Vigoride spacecraft on a SpaceX Transporter-6 mission. The SSPD tested deployable structures (DOLCE), 32 types of photovoltaic cells (ALBA), and a flexible microwave power array (MAPLE) for wireless energy transmission in orbit. Such demonstrations enable companies and researchers to evaluate efficiency, durability, deployment methods, and power transmission, making CubeSats an essential tool for advancing space solar cell technology and supporting scalable deployment in future missions.

In August 2025, the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), a South Korea-based research institute, partnered with Flexell Space Co., Ltd. to develop ultra-light, flexible CIGS solar cells for space applications. Through this collaboration, the two organizations aim to create advanced CIGS solar cells tailored for small satellites, offering improved performance, enhanced durability, and strong potential for mass production. The partnership is expected to strengthen South Korea’s position in the global space solar cell market while supporting the development of sustainable, efficient power solutions for future space missions. Flexell Space Co., Ltd. is a South Korea-based manufacturing company specializing in space solar cells.

Major companies operating in the space solar cells market are The Boeing Company, Airbus Group, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Thales Group, Bharat Electronics Ltd., Hanergy Thin Film Power Group Ltd., Redwire Corporation, 5N Plus Inc., Aetherflux Inc., SoliTek Cell, EnduroSat AD, MicroLink Devices Inc., DHV Technology, Solestial Inc., MMA Design LLC, Caelux Inc., Space Solar (UK) Ltd., Stion Corporation, Ascent Solar Technologies Inc.

North America was the largest region in the space solar cells market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the space solar cells market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the space solar cells market by increasing costs for high-purity silicon, gallium arsenide, and specialized thin-film materials, affecting production and deployment of satellite and spacecraft solar systems. North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, where leading manufacturers operate, are most affected. Increased costs may slow adoption of high-efficiency and multi-junction solar cells, but tariffs are also driving localized manufacturing, innovation in material sourcing, and cost-effective designs, creating long-term market resilience.

The space solar cells market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides space solar cells market statistics, including the space solar cells industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the space solar cells market share, detailed space solar cells market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the space solar cells industry. This space solar cells market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Space solar cells are advanced photovoltaic devices designed to convert sunlight into electrical energy while enduring the extreme conditions of outer space. Built to withstand harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum, these cells provide dependable and continuous power for spacecraft, satellites, and space stations, supporting long-duration missions and onboard system operations.

The primary types of space solar cells include monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, multi-junction, and concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cells. Monocrystalline solar cells, made from a single continuous silicon crystal, are known for their high efficiency and durability in sunlight-to-electricity conversion. Various technologies are employed in these cells, including silicon-based, gallium arsenide, organic photovoltaic, and perovskite solar cells, offering functionalities like power generation, power storage integration, energy efficiency, and thermal management. These cells are utilized in satellite and spacecraft power systems, space stations, robotic missions, and planetary exploration, serving end users such as government and defense agencies, aerospace manufacturers, research institutions, and private space exploration companies.

The countries covered in the space solar cells market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The space solar cells market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as space-grade solar cell design and customization, testing and qualification for space environments, installation and integration on satellites or spacecraft, maintenance and performance monitoring, and consulting or support for space power systems. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The space solar cells market also includes sales of solar panels, mounting structures, power management systems, and tracking systems. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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