Lightweight Rugged Solar Panel (LRSP)

For this Phase II Sequential program AmberWave proposes to develop and mature a new kind of high performance, lightweight and foldable solar panel product for Soldier field use. This will be based on AmberWaveÆs Ultra-Thin Silicon (UTSi) solar cell approach where a flexible 20¢40 micron monocrystalline Si solar cell layer is mechanically, electrically, and optically integrated with a thin supporting metal foil.Ā Unlike standard Si solar cells, the flexible and crack resistant UTSi cells do not require robust and heavy module packaging layers to protect the cells from impact and prevent flexure. ĀWith this approach AmberWave will work with two current vendors of military-grade lightweight solar panel products to demonstrate portable panels with a target specific output power of at least 2X the best military solar panel options based on Si solar cells today.Ā AmberWave will work with the solar panel vendors to produce initial small panels for vendor testing and government evaluation.Ā This will be followed by fabrication of a total of full-size panelsĀfor government evaluation, including testing according to relevant IEC and MIL standards, and assessment at Soldier Touch Points (STPÆs).ĀThese panels will be designed to be transitioned to the Soldier Power Manager (SPM), Universal Battery Charger (UBC), and UBC-Lite Soldier fielded systems.