Army Field Tests Lightweight, Flexible Solar Panels: Solar Powered Soldiers?

by David Crane
david@defensereview.com

Back in June 2004, DefenseReview reported on the U.S. Army’s development of photovoltaic tech to power U.S. Army tents and even soldiers themselves by integrating lightweight, flexible solar panels with tent and combat uniforms/BDU fabric.  The article was titled, "U.S. Army Develops Lightweight, Flexible Solar Panels to Power Troops", and it contains a host of relevant links to the private companies that manufacture the technology and are involved with the project.

Well, TechnologyReview.com (an MIT publication) has just published a story (written by John Gartner) about this technology.  Here’s the link to the Technology Review article:…

"Mobile Army Requires Solar Soldiers"

The military applications for photovoltaics/photovoltaic tech seem obvious and promising.  Besides, if the sun’s energy is already there, why not harness it?  DefRev will keep our readers posted on any new developments.

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