The contract will continue funding the development of lightweight and high- efficiency solar cells and solar modules for airship and space applications.
United Solar Ovonic Corp. (Uni-Solar Ovonic), a leading developer of thin-film amorphous silicon solar technology and a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) (Nasdaq: ENER), announced today that the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, has awarded the company a $4.45 million, 18-month contract to develop new solar cell technology to be used in space and airship vehicles addressing defense and homeland security applications.
Today's announcement builds on the success of earlier contracts with the Air Force. In May 2003, AFRL awarded an $11.5 million contract to Uni-Solar Ovonic to develop its ultra-lightweight solar arrays to be used in space and airship vehicles under which AFRL had an option to extend the contract with Uni-Solar Ovonic to provide additional funding. The Advanced Space Power Generation Group in the Space Vehicles Directorate of AFRL will administer the contract.
UNI-SOLAR space photovoltaic (PV) products offer an ultra-light, low- cost alternative to conventional space PV modules made of crystalline silicon or gallium arsenide. The Uni-Solar Ovonic triple-junction modules, originally developed for terrestrial applications, are made of amorphous silicon-based thin-film alloys, which are deposited on a 5-mil flexible stainless steel substrate. By utilizing a polymeric substrate, new space cells will be developed that have a specific power density greater than 1000 watts per kilogram (W/kg), which is significantly higher than what is currently available. A high specific power density is required for airship application. The radiation hardness and superior high-temperature performance of amorphous silicon make it an attractive material for space application.
"Considering the high launching cost of satellites, UNI-SOLAR lightweight cells are economically attractive for space applications. We are very happy that we are opening up a new era of air and space solar energy solutions so vital to our nation's future," said S.R. Ovshinsky, Chairman and CEO of Uni- Solar Ovonic and President and CTO of ECD Ovonics.
"Next generation solar arrays for Air Force missions need to be cheaper, lighter and more stowable than what are currently available," said Dr. Donna Senft, Program Manager of the AFRL Advanced Power Generation Program at Kirtland AFB. "We are impressed with the work that Uni-Solar Ovonic has been carrying out under AFRL contracts to address these goals."
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