Report Details:
15 Companies Covered
193 Pages
Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Satellite Solar Panels Array Market” that contains the information from 2019 to 2035.
The Satellite Solar Panels Array market is estimated to register a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.
MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Global Satellite Solar Panels Array Market— Airbus Defence and Space, Spectrolab, Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab, Inc., Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, Spacetech GmBH, DHV Technology, Gomspace, ISISpace Group, AAC Clyde Space, Mitsubishi Electric, Thales Alenia Space, mPower Technology, Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Kongsberg NanoAvionics, and others.
Satellite Solar Panels Array Market Highlights
Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is accounted for to register a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 1,541.25 million by 2035.
The rapid evolution of multi-junction solar cell technology has become a cornerstone innovation in satellite solar panel arrays, significantly driving market growth. Traditional single-junction silicon solar cells, while dominant in terrestrial applications due to their low cost and ease of manufacturing, suffer from efficiency limits (~22% theoretical Shockley–Queisser limit). In contrast, multi-junction solar cells utilize multiple semiconductor layers each optimized to absorb a specific portion of the solar spectrum which has elevated energy conversion efficiencies to new benchmarks. Space-grade triple-junction GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells now achieve 30–33% efficiency in real-world orbital conditions, while laboratory versions developed by research bodies such as NREL and Fraunhofer ISE have recorded efficiencies exceeding 47.1% using six-junction architectures. This leap in efficiency translates directly to higher power output per square meter, a critical factor in satellite design where both surface area and launch mass are limited commodities.
The market impact is substantial. Every 1% improvement in solar array efficiency can lead to a 7–10% reduction in array size and mass, allowing additional payload capacity or fuel reserves for station-keeping and extended mission life. This is especially valuable for large constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, which aims to deploy over 12,000 LEO satellites, and OneWeb, with a goal of 648 operational units. Higher efficiency panels also help reduce mission costs; for context, launch costs range from $5,000 to $15,000 per kilogram, making every gram saved in panel mass a direct economic benefit. Additionally, the superior radiation resistance and thermal tolerance of GaAs-based multi-junction cells make them ideal for geostationary orbit (GEO) and deep-space missions, which face higher exposure to solar proton events and cosmic rays. With demand growing in communications, earth observation, defense, and navigation satellites, the integration of advanced multi-junction cells into new spacecraft designs is a central growth enabler across commercial, civil, and military segments of the satellite industry.
Segment Analysis
The Global Satellite Solar Panels Array Market has been segmented based on type, orbit, application, and region.
The Global Satellite Solar Panels Array Market segmentation, based on type has been segmented into solar array and solar panels. Satellite solar panels are the core components of the power subsystem, converting solar energy into electrical power to support satellite operations such as communication, navigation, imaging, and propulsion. Unlike “solar arrays” which include deployment structures and electrical routing, the term “solar panels” typically refers to the photovoltaic modules themselves the engineered surfaces that contain multiple solar cells interconnected to generate electricity. These panels are meticulously designed to withstand the harsh environment of space, including radiation, vacuum conditions, and extreme temperatures ranging from -150°C to +150°C. Solar panels used in satellites are built using space-grade solar cells, often based on high-efficiency materials like Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) or Indium Gallium Phosphide (InGaP), rather than conventional silicon used in terrestrial systems. These materials offer higher efficiencies (typically above 28% for triple-junction cells) and better resistance to radiation degradation. The panels are fabricated on lightweight and robust substrates such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymer or aluminum honeycomb structures, designed to reduce satellite mass while maximizing surface area for energy capture.
Based on orbit, the Global Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is segmented into LEO Orbit, MEO Orbit, and GEO Orbit. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) spans from 2,000 km to 35,786 km and primarily serves navigation and timing systems, including GPS (USA), Galileo (EU), GLONASS (Russia), and BeiDou (China). These satellites require a balance between coverage area, latency, and durability, and as such, MEO solar arrays offer long operational lifespans and withstand higher radiation exposure compared to LEO. MEO satellites are typically larger and more powerful than those in LEO and thus demand larger and more robust solar arrays. Arrays in this orbit are equipped with radiation-hardened multi-junction solar cells commonly GaAs-based to ensure longevity (often 10–15 years). These panels must be structurally rigid, thermally stable, and paired with advanced battery management systems to provide continuous service during eclipses.
The Global Satellite Solar Panels Array Market segmentation, based on application has been segmented into building and communication satellites, earth observation satellites, navigation satellites, remote sensing satellites, and others. Earth Observation (EO) satellites are used for monitoring climate change, land use, natural disasters, urban development, environmental studies, and agricultural forecasting. These satellites typically operate in sun-synchronous LEO orbits, enabling consistent imaging conditions over the same area at the same local solar time. They require solar arrays that are optimized for high-efficiency performance in eclipse-prone orbits and compact form factors to fit within volume-constrained small satellite buses. EO satellites often carry high-resolution optical, infrared, or radar payloads, which require stable and continuous power. As a result, the solar arrays must feature radiation-hardened, multi-junction solar cells and be paired with reliable battery storage for eclipse periods. The EO market increasingly relies on smallsats and CubeSats, leading to demand for miniaturized, low-cost solar arrays such as flat-folding panels, roll-out membranes, and frameless thin-film designs.
Region Analysis
By Region, the Global Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World. Europe represents a mature and innovation-driven satellite solar panel array market, led by ESA (European Space Agency) and key industry players like Airbus, OHB SE, Thales Alenia Space, and AZUR SPACE. The region places a strategic focus on high-reliability solar solutions for both institutional missions and commercial satellite constellations. Recent developments, such as Airbus supplying Sparkwing arrays for MDA’s AURORA™ constellation, underscore Europe’s commitment to industrial scaling of satellite power technologies. European manufacturers are known for producing premium solar arrays, especially deployable rigid panels and multi-junction arrays, designed for GEO, MEO, and deep space missions. There’s also increasing interest in modular solar wings and flexible thin-film arrays for small satellites and CubeSats. ESA-funded programs are pushing the frontier of next-generation photovoltaic materials with superior radiation tolerance and lightweight form factors.
Key Findings of the Study
- The Global Satellite Solar Panels Array Market is expected to reach 1,541.25 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.
- The North America accounted for the fastest growing market.
- Based on Type, the Solar Array segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.
- Airbus Defence and Space, Spectrolab, Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab, Inc., Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, Spacetech GmBH, DHV Technology, Gomspace, ISISpace Group, AAC Clyde Space, Mitsubishi Electric, Thales Alenia Space, mPower Technology, Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Kongsberg NanoAvionics and others are the key market players.