THORNTON, CO--(NewMediaWire - Feb 8, 2016) - Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.
(NASDAQ: ASTI), 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 achieved a major
breakthrough in power-to-weight ratio for its superlight solar
module, delivering over 1700 watts of power per kilogram, operating
at AM0, technically known as the space environment. At this
performance, Ascent's superlight module would weigh 66% less than a
comparable PV system using the highest-quality crystalline silicon
and with far less design complexity. The elimination of
two-thirds of the weight is a critical improvement for satellites,
space vehicles and space stations.
For space and near-space applications, power-to-weight ratio is
a key performance metric. In addition to simplicity, our modules
could dramatically impact cost. Depending on the application, such
as low earth orbit all the way to manned flights, including
contemplated missions to Mars, the fully burdened cost can be
anywhere from thousands of dollars to $1 Million per pound for a
space launch. By creating this superior module with the best
power-to-weight ratio of any available product, Ascent has enabled
entrance into the rapidly growing space and near space
markets.
"There are several exciting aspects of this major breakthrough
that make it significant for Ascent Solar," stated Dr. Joseph
Armstrong, co-founder and CTO of Ascent Solar Technologies.
"Ascent's proprietary technology and unique manufacturing approach
is ideally suited for space and near-space applications, as we are
the only producer that utilizes both flexible
copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) PV and monolithic
integration. Our flexible substrate is the lightest of any in
production, and monolithic integration results in a cell layout
that is ideal for high intensity sunlight found in the space
environment. Additionally, our modules can dramatically reduce the
part count by over 90% compared to existing space solar array
construction, thereby making assembly of large solar arrays for
space and near-space applications easier, more cost effective, and
more reliable." Dr. Armstrong continued, "While the design
specifications for the modules were optimized for the space
environment, they will be very useful for other applications such
as unmanned aircraft, drones, as well as other terrestrial
applications."
Victor Lee, President and CEO of Ascent Solar, commented, "This
tremendous achievement will help accelerate the roll out of our
space and near-space PV applications with agencies with whom we
have been working. Additionally, we believe there are several
private organizations, both domestic and international, with
ambitions in space and near-space markets that would be keenly
interested in our superior power-to-weight ratio photovoltaics.
This technical achievement is a testament to our strategic shift in
market focus since 2012 and will continue to open up new and
valuable premium market opportunities for Ascent, enabling the sale
of very high margin products."
About Ascent Solar Technologies and
EnerPlex:
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of award winning
thin-film photovoltaic modules with substrate materials that are
more flexible, versatile and rugged than traditional solar panels.
Ascent Solar modules can be directly integrated into consumer
products and off-grid applications, as well as aerospace and
building integrated applications. EnerPlex is the Company's brand
of consumer products and is a division of Ascent Solar. Ascent
Solar and EnerPlex are headquartered in Thornton, Colorado. For
more information, go to www.goenerplex.com and www.ascentsolar.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements in this press release that are not statements of
historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements."
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the
Company's actual operating results to be materially different from
any historical results or from any future results expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to
statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties,
readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as
"believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend,"
"anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and
forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein
are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that
are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.