GaAs RF applications have been very mature. There has been the first GaAs MMIC abroad since the 1970s. In the late stage of domestic development, mainly in radar products and communication products, the process technology and design technology have been mature. At present, it is expected to develop in terms of higher frequency and low noise, and the wafer factory is constantly being established; In terms of traditional large power amplifiers, Gan will replace GaAs. In low-power occasions, GaAs has cost advantages over Gan and index advantages over CMOS. In terms of solar cells, compared with Si, GaAs photovoltaic cells have the characteristics of high conversion efficiency, but their cost and yield are limited. They are mainly used in a few occasions such as aerospace satellites. Concentrated pv cells based on polysilicon, monocrystalline silicon and thin film are the mainstream at present.
Gallium arsenide is a promising material for solar cells. Solar cells can convert solar energy directly into electric energy. Silicon solar cell is the most used one in the world. Its maximum conversion efficiency can reach 18% ~ 20%, while the maximum efficiency of gallium arsenide solar cell is expected to reach 23% ~ 26%. It is the most efficient one among various types of solar cells. GaAs solar cells have strong radiation resistance and can work in relatively high temperature environment. This not only provides favorable conditions for the research of exploring the universe, but also marks another step forward in the direct use of endless solar energy.
The environmental condition of photovoltaic (PV) systems is getting better because materials are used more effectively in their production and the overall system performance is improved. Our analysis details the material and Energy Inventory in the life cycle of high concentration photovoltaic system, and evaluates its energy recovery time, life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and land and water use according to the measured field performance. Although the operation of high concentration photovoltaic system requires a lot of maintenance, its life cycle environmental load is much lower than that of flat panel c-Si system operating in the same high sunshine area.Concentrated pv cell lifespan is about 25 years.