Idemitsu Kosan and Source Energy Partner to Develop Next-Generation Solar Array Solutions for the Space Industry
Idemitsu Kosan, a global leader in energy and advanced materials with deep expertise in solar technologies, and Source Energy Company (“Source”), an emerging U.S. supplier of space-grade solar power systems, today announced a strategic collaboration to co-develop and deliver next-generation solar array products for satellites operating in high Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
This partnership brings together Idemitsu’s proven thin-film CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) solar cell technology with Source Energy’s family of advanced solar modules and deployable array platforms. Together, the companies aim to create a new generation of scalable, efficient, and resilient solar energy solutions designed specifically for the rapidly growing satellite and spacecraft markets.
Addressing the Space Power Bottleneck
As the global space economy expands — driven by satellite communications, Earth observation, and navigation constellations — demand for high-performance solar power systems has reached a critical point. Satellite operators are facing an industry-wide bottleneck: limited availability of space-qualified solar cells.
The partnership between Idemitsu and Source Energy directly addresses this challenge by combining Idemitsu’s three decades of R&D and mass-production expertise in thin-film solar technology with Source’s capabilities in spacecraft solar product integration and rapid delivery. The result will be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to conventional space power systems, optimized for the next generation of LEO and MEO satellites.
A Scalable Alternative to GaAs-Based Solar Cells
For decades, Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells have dominated the space industry due to their high efficiency and proven performance. However, this dependency on GaAs has created significant supply chain vulnerabilities and cost constraints. Global shortages of gallium and arsenic, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions and increasing satellite deployment rates, have exposed the fragility of the current supply model.
Idemitsu’s proprietary CIGS technology offers a compelling and scalable alternative. Built on over 30 years of research and more than 6 gigawatts of terrestrial solar panel production, Idemitsu’s thin-film CIGS solar cells deliver exceptional radiation resistance, lightweight construction, and strong power retention over time — all critical attributes for demanding space environments.
The technology’s ability to maintain high energy output across long mission lifetimes allows satellite manufacturers to reduce array size and system mass, leading to significant cost and performance advantages. Additionally, CIGS manufacturing processes are less reliant on scarce materials, offering a more sustainable and geopolitically secure pathway for the growing space energy market.
Expanding Source Energy’s Capabilities
Source Energy has established itself as a reliable manufacturer and integrator of space-grade solar products, leveraging proven terrestrial technologies to accelerate space system production. Its solar arrays and modules are already trusted by a growing list of LEO and MEO satellite operators who value fast delivery, high quality, and affordability.
Through this collaboration, Source Energy will expand its existing silicon-based product line to include CIGS-based solar solutions, significantly broadening its portfolio. Development and qualification testing of the new CIGS arrays will take place at Source’s Longmont, Colorado facility, where they will undergo rigorous environmental and performance assessments prior to flight deployment.
Leadership Perspectives
Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Head of the Innovation Strategy Department at Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., emphasized the strategic significance of the collaboration:
“We are honored to take this step toward the future with an incredible partner, Source Energy — a company that continues to redefine what’s possible in the space industry. We believe our CIGS technology is not just a component, but a foundation for making space more accessible, sustainable, and resilient. Together, we aim to accelerate solutions that address global challenges from orbit, from LEO constellations to high-radiation missions.”
Philip Keller, Chief Executive Officer at Source Energy Company, echoed this sentiment:
“Our mission is to be a disruptive supplier that redefines the availability and reliability of space-grade solar arrays. Idemitsu’s advanced CIGS solar cell technology perfectly complements our mission and enables us to better serve our expanding customer base. We are excited to fuse Japanese innovation with U.S. engineering expertise to meet the growing demand for dependable satellite power systems.”
Building a Sustainable Future in Orbit
As the space economy continues to evolve, reliable energy generation will be the foundation for sustainable and scalable operations in orbit. The Idemitsu–Source collaboration represents a critical step forward in building that foundation — combining world-class materials science with next-generation spacecraft manufacturing to power the future of space infrastructure.
Together, the two companies are setting a new standard for how the space industry can innovate responsibly — with technologies that are not only high-performing but also secure, scalable, and sustainable for decades to come.
