  Solar arrays are the primary energy source of the satellite. In this paper, a
metamaterial absorber for solar arrays with simultaneous high optical
transparency and broadband microwave absorption is presented. By tailoring the
reflection response of meta-atoms, 85% absorption performance from 6.8GHz to
18GHz is obtained. In the meantime, by employing transparent substrates,
including indium tin oxide (ITO) film and anti-reflection glass, a maximum of
87% light transmittance is achieved. The absorptivity of the proposed
metamaterial absorber is simulated and measured experimentally. Light
transmittance and the effect of transparent metamaterial absorber on the
conversion efficiency of the solar array have also been measured. These results
fully demonstrate the reliability of our design for solar arrays, which also
meet the requirements of structural strength, atomic oxygen erosion resistance,
weight limitation, etc.
