Solar arrays and related assemblies and methods

A method of extending a solar array comprising:

• releasing a stowed solar array assembly comprising:
• a first composite solar panel comprising solar cells secured to a first substrate, the first composite solar panel having a first thickness;
• a second composite solar panel comprising solar cells secured to a second substrate, the second composite solar panel having a second thickness;
• at least one solar panel module comprising solar cells secured to a flexible sheet of material, the at least one solar panel module coupled between the first composite solar panel and the second composite solar panel, the at least one solar panel module having a third thickness less than the first thickness of the first composite solar panel and the second thickness of the second composite solar panel;
• and
• an arm;
• rotating the solar array assembly about a first hinge coupled between the arm and a vehicle body, wherein the arm is coupled to the first composite solar panel;
• rotating the second composite solar panel and the multiple solar panel modules in an opposite direction about a second hinge coupled between the second composite solar panel and the arm;
• and
• extending the arm until the at least one solar panel module is arranged in a substantially straight line, wherein the at least one solar panel module is coupled to adjacent solar panel modules by a hinged connection and wherein the at least one solar panel module is coupled between the first composite solar panel and the second composite solar panel by one or more cables.

A solar panel assembly comprising:

• a first rigid solar panel comprising a first arrangement of solar cells coupled to a first rigid substrate;
• a second rigid solar panel comprising a second arrangement of solar cells coupled to a second rigid substrate;
• multiple solar panel modules comprising a third arrangement of solar cells coupled to a flexible sheet, the multiple solar panel modules coupled to adjacent solar panel modules through hinged connections, a first solar panel module of the multiple solar panel modules coupled to the first rigid solar panel through a cable, and a second solar panel module of the multiple solar panel modules coupled to the second rigid solar panel through the cable;
• and
• the solar panel assembly configured to be retained in a stowed position wherein each of the multiple solar panel modules is arranged in a front-to-front or back-to-back arrangement with the adjacent solar panel modules through the hinged connection.