Soldiers To Be Equipped With Light-Weight Solar Cells

The Australian National University (ANU) for Sustainable Energy Systems has developed some tough, lightweight solar panels all set to radically change the combat process. Wearable light-weight solar panels have been formulated as part of a $2.3 million Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) contract with the Department of Defense.

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Dr. Igor Skryabin, development manager for the project stated that Infantry soldiers are increasingly being equipped with electronic devices to enhance their close-combat tactical awareness and provability as part of the Australian Defence Force Soldier-modernisation programme. He said, "Currently soldiers are dependent on electrical power provided by a conventional battery to power these devices. Each battery has a different endurance and reliability level and each rechargeable type requires its own kit, compounding the bulk and weight that needs to be carried. While battery technology research has delivered considerable improvements, the goal of a small, lightweight power storage system, capable of sustaining all electronic equipment for the whole time a soldier is in the field, is not yet available. The development of these wearable solar cells will now allow soldiers to generate power in the field and reduce the need for batteries for their electronic devices. They will also establish a power supply that keeps electronic devices operational throughout the duration of missions."

Professor Andrew Blakers, project’s Chief Investigator said that SLIVER solar cell technology formulated by #-Link-Snipped-#, and at present marketed by Transform, form the groundwork of the wearable solar panels. He said, “SLIVER cells have enabled the construction of efficient, rugged, flexible and light weight portable modules that convert light directly into electricity under a wide range of environmental conditions. These cells have the same thickness of a sheet of paper or a human hair. This means they are flexible, lightweight and allow high power to weight ratios to be achieved. The cells are also bifacial, allowing modules to be constructed that allow light to be absorbed from both faces.”