The Department of Defense (DoD) is the single largest consumer of energy in the United States. While ships, aircraft, and vehicles drive the majority of this energy consumption, the Soldier on the battlefield is becoming more and more dependent on portable power to feed the increased reliance on electronics to maintain a tactical edge. Reducing consumption and cutting the current reliance on fossil fuels in the name of energy security is a top military priority. For example the Army moving to become 50% renewable energy efficient by 2015 is very much in line with the DoDs efforts to expand its energy supply options for the near-term tactical benefits and long-term operational energy security.
Today’s Warfighter relies on electronic technologies to maintain the tactical edge. The hi-tech capabilities critical to the Soldier drive a level of power need that is unprecedented in history. A Soldier on a three-day patrol must carry seven different battery types – weighing up to 30 pounds. Not only does the need for power burden the Soldier with excess weight (with batteries) but also it increases the burden on the logistics load by requiring additional convoys and other resupply requirements. In remote areas those two factors are detrimental to mission success – convoys and resupply efforts are often prime targets for enemies, making them some of the most dangerous mission in theater. Statistics differ according to region and month, but reports show that the military suffers one casualty for every 17 to 46 resupply convoys on the road in Afghanistan.
Understanding the strain the dependence on fossil fuels is placing on operational logistics, budgets, and the Warfighter - unique solar technology for the Soldier, for vehicles, and for bases becomes an attractive and viable option. Increasing solar power decreases the need for fuel, which cuts back the number of fuel resupply convoys that are so at risk for IEDs. Replacing the batteries carried by Soldiers with fewer rechargeable batteries – charged with lightweight, compact, durable solar panels – cuts the weight of a rucksack by half or more and again reduces resupply requirements. Flexible, lightweight, thin-film solar panels mitigate risks associated with these factors by providing individual and quad power. Whether integrated directly into the Soldiers uniform, rucksacks, vehicle or tent – or stored and deployed when needed – solar panel systems ranging from 1.5 watts to 3 kilowatts from PowerFilm provide a power source that is affordable, technologically feasible, and ready now.
PowerFilm, Inc. has a proud history of partnering with the Department of Defense to provide Basing, Vehicle, and Soldier tactical solar power through extensive and successful R&D, teaming with Industry Partners, and working closely with the Services to meet current power requirements and anticipate future power needs. PowerFilm solar panels provide a power supply that is safe, sure, and a sustainable energy source that is a cost saving measure, a combat multiplier and force protection imperative.
Today US Service Members around the globe depend on PowerFilm to supply them with remote power for their smartphones, computers, radios, night vision devices, and other electronics that allow them to maintain the tactical edge. As the military aggressively continues to move forward integrating novel energy systems in the operational environment – helping to keep Americans safe – solar power and PowerFilm will remain on the cutting edge working with the military through testing, evaluation, and fielding solar to cut costs and most important, increase force protection.
