Army lightens load with solar power 

Idea is to replace disposable batteries on 'digital battlefield'

MSNBC staff and news service reports
May 5, 2005
URL: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7745709/

Boston - U.S. Army soldiers will be testing flexible plastic sheeting 
that converts light into energy - technology that could someday 
find its way into the casing of laptops or even clothing to power 
portable devices.

A $1.6 million contract with Konarka Technologies Inc. aims to 
lighten the load for troops who must lug around batteries to 
power everything from night vision goggles to GPS units.

The Army hasn't said where and when it will test the technology, 
and Konarka wouldn't disclose how many units $1.6 million will buy.

But the Army's Soldier Systems Center, which tests battlefield 
technology, said troops will recharge electronic devices by 
connecting them with sunlight-soaking plastic sheets, replacing 
disposable batteries and easing logistical requirements in remote 
settings.

Digital battlefield

"The battlefield is going digital. Everything from night vision goggles 
to GPS units to two-way communicators is powered by batteries, 
and special operations soldiers can carry 70 to 100 pounds of 
replacement batteries for their electronics," Daniel Patrick McGahn, 
Konarka's chief marketing officer, said in a statement.

Konarka said it would also work to improve its ability to print 
camouflage-patterned material so that it could be used on 
military structures, reducing the need for diesel fuel for noisy, 
polluting generators, and even on clothing. 

"Coloring and patterning is unique to Konarka's technology," 
Konarka R&D Vice President Russell Gaudiana, said in the 
statement. "Other photovoltaics require camouflage covers to 
disguise them, but that reduces light harvesting and power output. 
Our materials can be printed with the appropriate images while 
still maintaining their power generating capabilities, helping to 
protect soldiers in the field."

Beyond rigid solar panels

Konarka is among the developers of next-generation photovoltaic 
technology that seeks to improve on rigid, glass-panel solar cells. 

Advances in semiconducting materials allow for lower-cost 
production of lightweight solar cells that can be woven into 
plastics and textiles - including camouflage-patterned materials 
Konarka is developing for the Army.

Konarka said it is working with partners on commercial 
applications as well.

"Each one of these applications translates into the commercial 
sector as well, including mobile phones, PDAs, digital music 
players, security systems, roofing material and recreation 
equipment", McGahn said.