Engineers at the University of Surrey have created a special protective layer to help new, lightweight solar panels work better in space.

These new solar panels, called perovskite cells, are cheaper and lighter than regular ones but usually get damaged by space radiation.

The team’s coating acts like a shield, protecting the panels so they last much longer, over 20 years, when used on satellites and spacecraft.

This breakthrough means future space solar panels could be more affordable and efficient.