For future missions, it is desirable to reduce solar array mass, and to increase the power generated per unit area. This will reduce overall spacecraft mass, and may make the operation of solar-powered spacecraft feasible at larger distances from the sun. Solar array mass could be reduced with thin-film photovoltaic cells, flexible blanket substrates, and composite support structures. Solar array efficiency could be improved by using new photovoltaic cell materials an.
[pdf] To optimize performance, tilt your panels at an angle that is 10-15 degrees less than your latitude. For example, if you live at a latitude of 40 degrees, set your panels at about 25-30 degrees.
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