Ascent Solar Tests CIGS Modules for Power Beaming and Military Maritime Systems

Ascent Solar Technologies is pushing the boundaries of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) innovation with new tests of its copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) modules aimed at two high-impact defense applications: wireless power beaming and maritime system integration. These developments could have significant implications for space-based solar power (SBSP), high-altitude ISR platforms, and energy autonomy in naval operations.

CIGS Modules Enter Defense-Oriented Testing Phase

In October 2025, Ascent Solar announced it had begun testing its latest generation of lightweight CIGS PV modules in support of two emerging military use cases: laser-based power beaming systems and marine-grade energy platforms. The company’s ultra-thin film technology—originally developed for aerospace—offers a unique combination of high specific power (W/kg), flexibility, and radiation tolerance.

According to Ascent’s release and industry coverage by PV Magazine USA, the test campaign is being conducted under two separate cooperative research agreements with U.S. government partners. While the exact agencies were not disclosed, sources familiar with the matter suggest involvement from entities such as DARPA or AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory), both of which have active programs in wireless energy transfer and SBSP concepts.

The company aims to validate performance metrics such as:

Power-to-weight ratio under simulated orbital conditions
Thermal stability under high-intensity laser illumination
Saltwater corrosion resistance for naval deployment
Integration potential with unmanned aerial or surface platforms

Power Beaming: From Sci-Fi to Strategic Enabler

Power beaming—transmitting electrical energy wirelessly using lasers or microwaves—is gaining traction as a strategic enabler across multiple defense domains. In SBSP architectures, orbital solar arrays harvest sunlight continuously and beam it to ground receivers or airborne relays. In tactical contexts, laser-based power links could recharge UAVs mid-flight or supply forward-deployed sensors without physical refueling.

CIGS modules are particularly well-suited to these applications due to their low mass (<300 g/m²), ability to conform to curved surfaces like stratospheric balloons or UAV wings, and resilience in harsh radiation environments. Ascent’s modules reportedly achieve up to ~14% efficiency in deployed configurations—a figure that may seem low compared to crystalline silicon but offers superior performance per unit weight in aerospace settings.

The U.S. Department of Defense has previously funded multiple initiatives exploring SBSP feasibility—including the Naval Research Laboratory’s PRAM-FX experiment aboard the X-37B spaceplane—and DARPA’s ongoing efforts in laser-based tactical resupply concepts. Ascent’s involvement signals growing interest in maturing enabling technologies like deployable PV arrays optimized for orbit-to-ground transmission.

Maritime Applications Demand Ruggedization

The second focus area—marine-grade deployment—targets energy autonomy for distributed naval assets such as unmanned surface vessels (USVs), sensor buoys, or expeditionary logistics nodes. Here the challenge lies not only in efficiency but also durability against saltwater corrosion, biofouling, UV degradation, and mechanical stress from wave motion.

To address these issues, Ascent is adapting its encapsulation layers and substrate materials to meet MIL-STD environmental standards relevant to maritime operations. The company has previously demonstrated its panels on CubeSats and stratospheric balloons; adapting them for sea-level use requires additional qualification cycles including salt fog testing (per ASTM B117) and flex fatigue under dynamic load profiles.

If successful, these modules could enable persistent ISR from solar-powered USVs or allow remote recharging of underwater autonomous vehicles via tethered buoys equipped with optical receivers—a concept already explored by ONR-funded programs like Sea Mobius.

DARPA & AFRL Context: Building Blocks for Energy Dominance

DARPA has long championed disruptive approaches to battlefield energy logistics—from dynamic wireless charging grids to self-healing solar fabrics embedded into soldier uniforms. Similarly, AFRL continues investing in high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) powered by lightweight PV arrays capable of months-long endurance above contested airspace.

CIGS technology fits squarely into these visions due to its deployability from compact volumes—a critical trait for launch-constrained payloads—and compatibility with laser-to-electric conversion schemes using gallium arsenide photodiodes or similar receiver tech.

While no formal program office has confirmed direct procurement plans involving Ascent’s current test articles, ongoing demonstrations may feed into broader initiatives such as DARPA’s “Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay” concept or AFRL’s “Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations & Research” roadmap targeting operational prototypes by late-2020s.

Commercial Spin-Offs vs Defense Niche Use Cases

Despite their promise in defense contexts, CIGS thin-film panels remain a niche product commercially due to higher cost per watt compared to crystalline silicon alternatives. However, their unique attributes—especially mass-specific performance—make them attractive where traditional panels are infeasible due to size/weight constraints.

Aerospace: CubeSat constellations needing deployable wings
Tactical ISR: Long-endurance UAVs requiring conformal PV skins
Expeditionary Ops: Portable fold-out chargers for SOF teams
Sustainment Logistics: Remote sensor nodes needing multi-week autonomy without battery swaps

If fielded successfully through DoD channels first—as many dual-use technologies are—it is possible that ruggedized CIGS solutions could later find roles in commercial offshore wind servicing drones or disaster relief kits where grid access is limited but mobility is key.