Photonic simulation and design framework for optimizing perovskite/Si tandem solar cells for satellite power systems

Tandem solar cells made with metal halide perovskite/Si double junctions have demonstrated power conversion efficiencies over 34%, offering high power density at low cost for satellites. However, power harvesting is affected by variations in solar incidence angle and operating temperature arising from orbital motion. Here we present an optical and thermal modeling framework that simulates angle-dependent transmission, absorption spectra, and photocurrents depending on perovskite composition and incorporates time-dependent solar incidence angles and orbit-specific temperature profiles over a β -angle cycle. We find optimal perovskite top-cell structures for different satellite types depending on perovskite composition and on-orbit temperature. The simulation results reveal that a higher perovskite bandgap increases the matched photocurrent, voltage, and projected efficiency under AM0 illumination. The broader thickness tolerance for current matching comes at the expense of a larger optimal absorber thickness under on-orbit thermal conditions. This work provides design guidelines for tailoring tandem solar cells to achieve the highest power generation while accounting for satellite motion.