Japanese energy leader Idemitsu Kosan and U.S.-based Source Energy Company have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop next-generation solar array products for the high-LEO and MEO satellite markets.
The global space industry, currently experiencing exponential growth, is grappling with a significant challenge: a critical bottleneck in the supply of high-performance solar cells. Addressing this head-on, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., a leader in energy and advanced materials, and Source Energy Company, an emerging supplier of space-grade solar products, announced a strategic collaboration this week. The partnership is focused on co-developing and delivering next-generation energy solutions, specifically targeting the high-Low Earth Orbit (high-LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) markets.
The collaboration will combine Idemitsu's proven Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cell technology with Source Energy's expertise in advanced solar modules and deployable arrays for spacecraft.
The traditional space solar industry is heavily reliant on Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells. However, global shortages, increasing international tensions, and the accelerating demand for satellites have exposed GaAs as a critical supply chain dependency and geopolitical risk. The companies highlight the urgent need for a more secure and scalable alternative.
Idemitsu's proprietary thin-film CIGS solar cells offer a compelling solution. The technology is backed by over 30 years of R&D and more than 6GW of terrestrial solar panel production. Critically for space applications, the cells deliver high radiation resistance, a lightweight profile, and are inherently scalable. These characteristics are expected to enable longer satellite lifespans and improved reliability, simultaneously reducing the need for oversized arrays—which translates into substantial mass and cost savings for customers.
Source Energy, with its proven track record in manufacturing and integrating reliable solar products, will be instrumental in deploying the technology. The company is expanding beyond its established silicon-based lineup to incorporate CIGS, meeting the growing demand for dependable solar arrays for high-LEO and MEO missions. The advanced CIGS-based solar technology will undergo a rigorous development and testing campaign at Source's facility in Longmont, Colorado, prior to deployment.
Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Head of Innovation Strategy Department at Idemitsu Kosan, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership. "We believe our technology is not merely a component, but a keystone to making space more accessible across a wide range of applications, from LEO constellations to high-radiation missions," he stated.
Philip Keller, Chief Executive Officer at Source Energy Company, echoed this sentiment, noting, "Our mission is to be a disruptive supplier that redefines availability and reliability of space-grade solar arrays. Idemitsu's advanced CIGS solar cell is the perfect technology to help Source expand our existing product offerings. We look forward to fusing Japanese and U.S. technology to create solutions that fill the growing demand for reliable satellite power systems."
