Ascent Solar Technologies Inc., a developer and manufacturer of flexible thin-film PV modules integrated into the company’s EnerPlex series of consumer products, has introduced two new high-voltage, low-current products designed to address the needs of the high-altitude aerospace market.
According to Ascent Solar, photovoltaic modules for this market must deliver high voltage and power while maintaining low current and at the least possible weight. The company says its new products, which are roughly 3/4th of a square meter, provide voltages above 270 volts in a single, lightweight unit.
Ascent Solar claims these fully laminated new offerings can conform to the shape of wind and airship hull surfaces because they utilize the company’s flexible, monolithically integrated copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) photovoltaics. They also retain sufficient environmental protection to keep the solar module safe and functional.
“Our unique monolithic integration technology enables us to achieve higher voltages within a smaller area and with significantly lower part count than any other technology,” says Joseph Armstrong, founder and chief technology officer of Ascent Solar Technologies. “Both products consist of our SuperLight construction that only weighs 400 grams per square meter and can take advantage of our new 1700 W/kg technology as it transitions to production.”
Victor Lee, president & CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies, comments, “Combined with our already lightweight, flexible laminate construction, this new breakthrough provides the high-altitude community with an immediately available source for critical solar energy components. We can also work with customers to customize this product as needed to fit their specific applications.”
