PowerFilm Receives $3 Million in Military Purchase Orders

PowerFilm, Inc., developer and manufacturer of thin flexible solar panels and roll to roll flexible electronics, announced it has received significant purchase orders to supply PowerFilm’s foldable solar panel chargers as directed by the U.S. Army.

The orders total approximately $3 million and are to be shipped in the second half of 2012.

PowerFilm’s solar panels are being supplied as part of the Army’s Capability Set 13, an integrated fielding approach that provides system and product technology packages to U.S. Forces in a quicker more efficient manner. A five-week Network Integration Evaluation (NIE), which is driven by soldier-led evaluations, tested the functionality of these panels in a tough realistic tactical environment and validated them as being a key part of the tactical network components which comprise Capability Set 13.

As a result of the Department of Defense (DoD)’s strategic emphasis on renewable energy, PowerFilm has experienced increased product demand within the military and government sectors in the first half of 2012. Extensive efforts over the past decade to educate stakeholders within key DoD initiatives have culminated in the recently announced purchase orders for PowerFilm’s lightweight foldable solar chargers for individual soldiers. PowerFilm’s solar panels for the military are being provided to the soldier as a sure supply of remote energy to power the increasing number of electronics the Soldier relies on in the tactical environment.

The purchases include orders for PowerFilm’s new industry-leading 120-watt foldable solar panel charger, which weighs 6.5 pounds and fits comfortably in a rucksack. Other sizes of foldable chargers to be supplied are the 10-watt and 60-watt versions. The large foldable solar chargers will be used in conjunction with key industry team partners’ systems as a complete solution for battery charging in the field, while smaller solar chargers will be carried by individual soldiers to supply critical remote power where and when it is needed most.

Ruggedized to meet the tough demands of military deployment use, the PowerFilm solar chargers can be carried in a pack, shipped in a crate, or dropped from the air. Unlike glass solar panels, these panels are made of plastic and will not shatter upon impact. Using amorphous silicon technology, these panels are ready for soldiers to use instantly in varying light conditions, and after periods of storage, do not need the light-soaking waiting period that is required if copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar panels are used.

“We are pleased to strengthen our long-term relationship with the military and to supply soldiers with our solar recharging products,” said Ron Mason, PowerFilm’s vice president, sales and marketing. “The fact that our products are rugged, lightweight, high quality, and made in the USA is important to the Army.”