Overview

• University of Potsdam scientists have developed solar panels using lunar regolith, achieving 10-12% efficiency with potential for improvement.
• The panels combine moonglass, made by melting lunar soil, with perovskite crystals, offering radiation resistance and self-healing properties.
• Producing solar panels on the Moon could reduce launch mass by 99%, significantly lowering costs for lunar exploration and habitation.
• Researchers plan small-scale lunar experiments to address challenges like low gravity, temperature variations, and vacuum conditions for large-scale production.
• The technology aligns with broader goals of sustainable lunar resource utilization, supporting NASA's Artemis program and long-term space exploration.