DayStar Technologies Unveils LightFoil Photovoltaic Product For U.S. Military

ENERGY TECH

Halfmoon NY (SPX) Mar 07, 2005
DayStar Technologies has unveiled LightFoil for high specific power applications. This proprietary alternative energy solution is the first of many highly anticipated Photovoltaic Foil products expected from DayStar.

Military and Homeland Security applications for LightFoil include high altitude airships (HAA), winged unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and orbital applications for next generation satellite craft.

The product meets the low weight, high power, and form flexibility metrics required by onboard power generation systems for these weight sensitive applications. LightFoil consists of high efficiency CIGS solar cells deposited on thin titanium foil.

Less than the thickness of common household aluminum foil, LightFoil's design allows for high power production from sunlight without excessive weight. The Company has achieved a specific power level of 1440 W/kg (15. 2% AM0 efficiency) in the laboratory setting, which is approximately 50% more energy dense and 60% lighter than all known thin film alternatives.

Manufacturing development of LightFoil based on the laboratory benchmark is currently underway with a specific power target that will exceed 1000 W/kg. Engineering samples should be available in 2Q 2005.

In addition to high specific power, LightFoil is also flexible both physically and in form factors. The product molds to curved surfaces and can be cut to shape to conform to complex geometric requirements.

"LightFoil is specifically designed to meet the unique challenges posed by stratospheric airships, other UAV's and orbital craft," stated Dr. John Tuttle, DayStar's CEO.

"Without the constraints of adapting an existing silicon-based product manufacturing line, we were free to produce a low cost, lightweight product which exceeds specific power requirements in many cases. As a consequence, DayStar is able to dedicate manufacturing capability specifically for LightFoil, should demand warrant."

To achieve cost and quantity benchmarks, the Company produces its Photovoltaic Foil products using proprietary, low cost, high volume manufacturing processes adapted from commodity computer component manufacturing.

As a result, LightFoil is not only lightweight with high power but also cost effective for specialized military, homeland security and commercial applications.

ENERGY TECH

Solar Array Demonstrates Commercial Potential At NASA Dryden

Edwards AFB CA (SPX) Jan 24, 2005
A state-of-the-art solar array is providing a unique opportunity to demonstrate the latest in high-efficiency solar cells available for terrestrial use at a demonstration site at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.