gallium arsenide solar cell

photovoltaic device

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July 21, 2026

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A gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cell is a photovoltaic device that converts light into electricity using gallium arsenide as a semiconductor material. Unlike silicon solar cells, GaAs cells can be more efficient, especially in converting concentrated sunlight.12

Solar cells work through the photovoltaic effect, where light excites electrons in the semiconductor material, creating an electric current. Gallium arsenide is a synthetic compound used as a semiconducting material, and it can also be combined with aluminum to form aluminum gallium arsenide, which is used in manufacturing laser diodes. GaAs solar cells are noted for their high efficiency and are particularly useful in applications requiring concentrated solar power.213

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thin-film solar cell
Types of thin-film solar cells
Gallium arsenide (GaAs) thin-film solar cells have reached nearly 30 percent efficiency in laboratory environments, but they are very expensive to manufacture. Cost has been a major factor in limiting the market for GaAs solar cells; their main use has been for spacecraft and satellites.
Read More
Gallium arsenide (GaAs) thin-film solar cells have reached nearly 30 percent efficiency in laboratory environments, but they are very expensive to manufacture. Cost has been a major factor in limiting the market for GaAs solar cells; their main use has been for spacecraft and satellites.
Read More