Ascent Solar Announces Additional Breakthroughs on New High-Voltage Solar Products to Meet Growing Demands of the High Altitude and Space Markets

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. a developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules integrated into the Company's EnerPlex™ series of consumer products, announced today the Company has introduced two new high voltage-low current products specifically designed to address the needs of the high altitude aerospace market. Photovoltaic modules for this market must deliver high voltage and power while maintaining low current and for the least possible weight. Ascent's new products provide voltages above 270 volts in a single, lightweight unit. Both products are roughly 3/4th of a square meter and differ in shape to accommodate various applications. Because these fully laminated products, utilize the company's flexible, monolithically integrated copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) photovoltaics, they can conform to the shape of wing and airship hull surfaces. They also retain sufficient environmental protection to keep the solar module safe and functional during all aspects of the mission.

"The high voltage, light module takes advantage of all of the superior characteristics of Ascent's monolithically integrated CIGS photovoltaic technology. These products will fill a niche that has not been addressed by any other commercial product," stated Dr. Joseph Armstrong, founder and CTO of Ascent Solar Technologies. "Our unique monolithic integration technology enables us to achieve higher voltages within a smaller area and with significantly lower part count than any other technology. Both products consist of our SuperLight construction that only weighs 400g per square meter, and can take advantage of our new 1700 W/kg technology as it transitions to production."

Victor Lee, President & CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies, said, "Higher voltage solar arrays enable operation at lower current resulting in reduced power transmission losses. Such high voltage-low current modules are desired for the aerospace market, because they enable lower part count, lighter power leads and other characteristics allowing a meaningful reduction in complexity and weight. Combined with our already lightweight, flexible laminate construction, this new breakthrough provides the high altitude community with an immediately available source for critical solar energy components. We can also work with customers to customize this product as needed to fit their specific applications."