The US Military hopes to bring alternative energy to the battlefield by utilizing extremely flexible solar panels in next-generation soldier's uniforms and tents. Advocates introducing solar technology into the military arena tout the benefits of moving soldiers swiftly across the battlefield, with solar panels facilitating reliable communication among soldiers, and the ability to generate power without producing infrared signatures and compromising soldier positions. These new suits and tents are equipped with advanced solar paenls, which will also reduce the amount of supplies a soldier has to carry into the battlefield by eliminating the need for generators and battery packs needed to power communications gear and electronics. The project is being researched at the Army's Natick Soldier Systems center, using solar panels developed at Iowa Thin film Technologies.
The solar panels are made of amorphous silicon, and are layered on top of a tent or can be rolled up for the soldier to carry into battle. These lightweight solar panels produce about 1 kilowatt/hr of energy. This energy is suitable not only for powering communications equipment, but fans, radios, laptops, and lights.
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