Thin-Film Solar Technology Enters Extreme Environment Testing
Ascent Solar Technologies Inc has delivered test samples of its lightweight, flexible copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic modules to two companies operating in extreme environments, according to company reports. The Thornton, Colorado-based manufacturer reportedly shipped its specialized solar technology to an ocean monitoring technology firm and a space power lasing company for rigorous testing in challenging operational conditions.
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Dual Applications for Extreme Environment Power
Sources indicate the ocean monitoring company specializes in developing autonomous underwater vehicles capable of reaching anywhere in the ocean with high speed, endurance, and sensing capabilities. This firm will test the thin-film PV technology‘s functionality and durability in aquatic terrestrial applications, with the intent of enabling persistent equipment operation of ocean-based monitoring technologies.
Meanwhile, analysts suggest the space power lasing company will evaluate the technology‘s space-based power beaming receiving capabilities as part of its focus on advancing space and defense technologies. The testing reportedly aims to assess technologies that could enable the transmission of power between satellites in orbit.
Technology Advantages for Harsh Conditions
According to CEO Paul Warley, “We see underwater and space applications as unique opportunities for thin-film PV to thrive, as the technology‘s lightweight, flexible and durable design allows it to withstand the immense pressures and tempestuous conditions that define these environments.” The company statement emphasized that these test deliveries represent continued efforts to push the limits of solar technology in extreme operating environments.
The report states that Ascent’s team anticipates reviewing findings from both testing initiatives as part of its strategy to unlock thin-film solar technology‘s potential in both marine and space markets. This development follows the company’s recent achievement in raising its CIGS PV production-scale efficiency record from 14% to 15.7%.
Broader Industry Implications
Industry observers suggest that successful testing could open significant new markets for flexible photovoltaics in both terrestrial marine applications and space-based power systems. The lightweight nature of CIGS technology reportedly offers advantages over conventional solar panels for applications where weight, flexibility, and durability are critical factors.
Ascent Solar’s technology represents a specialized segment of the broader thin-film solar cell market, with particular focus on integration into consumer products, off-grid applications, and aerospace applications. The current testing initiatives with ocean monitoring and space power companies demonstrate the technology’s potential expansion into new extreme environment applications.
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References
- http://www.ascentsolar.com/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_indium_gallium_selenide
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaics
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin-film_solar_cell
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascent_Solar
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_underwater_vehicle
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