Ascent Solar Technologies has partnered with defense, fire and emergency services equipment firm Darley Defense to expand access for Ascent’s thin-film PV products.

Partnering with the Itasca, Illinois-based military equipment firm will bring Ascent’s solar panels into a variety of new markets and applications. Ascent officials say the corporate team-up will expand access to Ascent products for the defense, federal, space and public sector markets.

“This partnership with Darley Defense advances our commercial strategy of growing our presence in defense, space and other high-value industries in need of durable, reliable power solutions in strenuous conditions,” says Ascent CEO Paul Warley. “As military operations become increasingly reliant on advanced electronics deployed in dangerous environments, the durability of our thin-film products will play a crucial role in providing the power generation needed to carry out mission objectives.

“Together, with Darley Defense’s established relationships within these markets, we plan to accelerate the adoption of our thin-film solar technology for applications in need of reduced logistical burdens and enhanced operational efficiency.”

The partnership will combine Ascent’s copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) solar panel technology with Darley’s already established procurement channels, the companies say. Alongside further enabling market penetration, the CIGS modules give Ascent a leg up in the military and defense sector of the solar market.

A unique strength

Ascent officials say their company’s thin-film products, especially the CIGS modules, are “uniquely suited to thrive within expeditionary operations in punishing environments,” especially those with limited access to power sources. Because outer space and other military and defense applications often make conventional energy solutions inoperable, the CIGS modules are a potentially priceless asset.

“Thin-film PV’s lightweight, flexible design allows for extended field operations by alleviating dependence on batteries that regularly need time to recharge,” the company says. “The partnership opens opportunities for Ascent’s technology to be incorporated across a wide range of defense and government applications.”

These applications include dismounted military operations, as well as tactical communications equipment and unmanned aerial sensors. Ascent also notes that the CIGS PV modules could be crucial for remote sensors and mobile command infrastructure products, as the defense sector continues to evolve towards remote operation.

Ascent’s solar modules have seen deployment on space missions, airborne vehicles, agrivoltaic installations, and consumer goods. Produced at the company’s research and development center in Thornton, Colorado, the products aim to “revolutionize” the use cases of solar energy.

Tags: Ascent Solar Technologies, Darley Defense, military, products, PV Modules