#USA #Washington, D.C. #HJT Technology #Cando Solar #Solar Cloth

Cando Solar Cloth: Changing the Game in Solar Energy

Cando Solar has made an impressive mark in the renewable energy sector with the unveiling of its innovative Cando Solar Cloth at the SATELLITE × GovMilSpace event in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2026. This cutting-edge solution implements rollable crystalline silicon heterojunction (HJT) technology designed specifically for commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, 6G communications, and space computing applications.

This represents a significant shift from the conventional focus on spatial efficiency in solar technology to an emphasis on weight efficiency, enabling scalable and lightweight solar energy solutions. As the commercial space industry enters an era of high-frequency launches and satellite constellation developments, weight and cost have become critical barriers to the widespread deployment of satellites. Traditional rigid solar panels are bulky, heavy, and expensive, making them unsuitable for the increasing demand for cost-effective and frequent launches.

Innovative Design and Efficiency

Cando Solar Cloth is designed with an ultra-light and rollable appearance, weighing between 300 to 900 g/m², and featuring a roll diameter of just 65 mm. This lightweight characteristic dramatically reduces launch volume and payload requirements. Furthermore, with a power-to-weight ratio of 1-5 g/W, it contributes to decreased overall satellite mass, a significant advantage in satellite engineering.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, the HJT solution boasts a conversion efficiency between 23% to 35%, with tandem HJT cells achieving efficiencies as high as 35%. Notably, this technology reduces costs by an impressive 90% compared to traditional gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells. By sharing production processes for both space-based and terrestrial applications—such as agriculture, construction, and transportation—it can cut overall satellite manufacturing costs by up to 30%. This pivotal achievement addresses one of the main hurdles in establishing large-scale satellite constellations.

Reliability and Longevity

Cando Solar Cloth's reliability is bolstered by its exceptional durability, proven through electroluminescence tests after 10,000 roll-unroll cycles. These tests ensure stable energy output throughout the lifespan of the materials in orbit, signifying trustworthiness in energy provision.

"Our presentation at SATELLITE × GovMilSpace is not only a milestone showcasing our capabilities in space energy but also a critical step in Cando Solar's global expansion strategy. We are committed to advancing large-scale adoption of lightweight solar technologies for space communication and computing in orbit, ultimately facilitating efficient, cost-effective, and clean energy solutions for humanity's journey beyond Earth," stated Huang Qiang, the founder of Cando Solar.

This announcement marks a new chapter in solar technology, poised to pave the way for transformative measures across various sectors. Cando Solar aims to drive innovations that unlock energy abundance not only in outer space but on Earth, enhancing energy accessibility and equality globally.

Learn more about this groundbreaking technology and its applications at Cando Solar.