Idemitsu Kosan and Source Energy Form Strategic Alliance to Pioneer Next-Generation Solar Power Solutions for the Expanding Space Market
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (“Idemitsu”), a leading Japanese energy and advanced materials company with deep expertise in solar cell innovation, today announced a strategic collaboration with Source Energy Company (“Source”), an emerging U.S.-based supplier of space-grade solar power products. Together, the companies aim to co-develop next-generation energy solutions for satellites and spacecraft, focusing initially on high Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) markets.
This strategic partnership marks a major step forward in both companies’ efforts to advance sustainable, high-efficiency solar power systems for the rapidly growing global space industry. By integrating Idemitsu’s proprietary CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) thin-film solar cell technology with Source Energy’s advanced solar modules and deployable array platforms, the collaboration is expected to deliver lightweight, radiation-resistant, and cost-effective solar solutions that will redefine the future of satellite power generation.
Addressing the Critical Energy Bottleneck in Space
As the global space sector experiences unprecedented expansion—driven by the surge in satellite constellations, communications systems, Earth observation missions, and commercial space ventures—the demand for high-performance, reliable solar power systems has grown exponentially. However, the industry is now facing a major challenge: a bottleneck in the availability of high-efficiency solar cells, which are essential for powering satellites throughout their operational lifetimes.
Traditionally, the space industry has relied heavily on Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)-based solar cells. While these cells offer strong efficiency, they come with serious limitations: a constrained supply chain, high production costs, and increasing geopolitical risks tied to material sourcing. Global shortages of GaAs and heightened international tensions have further magnified the industry’s dependency on a narrow set of suppliers. As a result, there is a growing need for a secure, scalable, and equally capable alternative to power the next wave of space missions.
This is where Idemitsu’s CIGS thin-film solar cell technology enters the picture. Developed and refined through over three decades of research and innovation, Idemitsu’s solar cells represent a breakthrough alternative to GaAs. The company’s technology combines exceptional radiation resistance, lightweight design, and mass-production scalability—three attributes critical for success in orbital environments. Backed by more than 6 gigawatts of terrestrial solar panel production, Idemitsu brings not only proven technical performance but also the ability to manufacture at scale, a critical advantage in meeting the fast-growing global demand for satellite energy systems.
Leveraging Complementary Strengths for a New Era in Space Power
The collaboration between Idemitsu and Source Energy represents a fusion of Japanese material science and American aerospace engineering. Each partner contributes complementary expertise that strengthens the alliance’s potential impact.
Idemitsu Kosan, one of Japan’s most established energy innovators, brings decades of experience in solar materials research, thin-film manufacturing, and large-scale industrial deployment. Its proprietary CIGS technology is known for achieving high power conversion efficiency under harsh radiation environments, making it ideally suited for orbital applications where long-term reliability is paramount.
Source Energy Company, based in Longmont, Colorado, is known for its space-qualified solar arrays and modular power systems. The company has a proven track record in the design, integration, and delivery of reliable solar power products for small satellite missions, including constellations operating in both LEO and MEO. Source leverages manufacturing approaches derived from terrestrial solar and semiconductor industries, which allows it to deliver cost-effective and high-quality products at scale.
Through this partnership, Source Energy will expand its product lineup beyond silicon-based solar modules, incorporating Idemitsu’s advanced CIGS technology to serve the evolving demands of next-generation satellite missions. The collaboration will begin with a joint development and testing program at Source Energy’s Longmont facility, where prototype CIGS-based solar arrays will undergo rigorous qualification and performance validation in preparation for in-orbit deployment.
A Sustainable and Resilient Path for Space Power Systems
As the number of satellites in orbit increases, sustainability and resilience have become core considerations for space system design. Lightweight, durable, and efficient solar technologies can extend mission lifetimes and reduce the total mass launched into orbit—two key factors in improving both economic and environmental performance.
Idemitsu’s CIGS solar technology directly addresses these priorities. Its thin-film composition enables lighter, more compact arrays compared to traditional GaAs systems, while maintaining comparable or superior power output over long durations. Moreover, CIGS cells exhibit strong radiation resistance, a crucial characteristic for satellites exposed to intense radiation belts in high-LEO and MEO orbits. This resistance translates to slower degradation rates, more stable power generation, and lower long-term operational costs.
By integrating Idemitsu’s materials with Source Energy’s deployable array architectures, the partnership aims to deliver solar power systems that are not only efficient and reliable but also easier to produce and deploy. These systems will provide satellite operators with a more secure supply chain, reducing dependency on limited GaAs sources and mitigating geopolitical risks.
About Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.
Idemitsu Kosan is a leading Japanese company with diversified businesses in energy, materials, and resources, cultivated over more than a century of history. Leveraging its extensive experience, Idemitsu is engaged in the development of advanced CIGS-based solar cell technology intended for space applications.
About Source Energy Company
Source Energy Company is a Delaware corporation and an emerging and disruptive supplier of space-grade solar modules and solar arrays. Headquartered in Longmont, Colorado, the company is focused on developing highly available, scalable and reliable solar power solutions for next-generation space platforms.
source link: https://www.businesswire.com
