News: Photovoltaics
20 October 2026
Ascent partners with Darley to expand thin-film solar product access across defense and government markets
Ascent Solar Technologies Inc of Thornton, CO, USA – which designs and makes lightweight, flexible copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels that can be integrated into consumer products, off-grid applications and aerospace applications – has announced a new partnership with Darley Defense (a global provider of defense, fire and emergency services equipment) to expand access to Ascent’s thin-film PV products throughout defense, federal, space and public sector markets.
The partnership will combine Ascent’s CIGS solar products with Darley Defense’s established procurement channels and robust reach across the defense and government sectors. This further enables market penetration and supports Ascent’s ongoing mission to simplify how military and government customers evaluate, procure and deploy its solar solutions to meet a broad range of power generation needs.
Ascent reckons that its thin-film products are uniquely suited to thrive within expeditionary operations in punishing environments with limited access to power sources that often render conventional energy solutions inoperable. Thin-film PV’s lightweight, flexible design allows extended field operations by alleviating dependence on batteries that regularly need time to recharge.
“This partnership with Darley Defense advances our commercial strategy of growing our presence in defense, space and other high-value industries in need of durable, reliable power solutions in strenuous conditions,” says CEO Paul Warley. “As military operations become increasingly reliant on advanced electronics deployed in dangerous environments, the durability of our thin-film products will play a crucial role in providing the power generation needed to carry out mission objectives,” he adds. “Together, with Darley Defense’s established relationships within these markets, we plan to accelerate the adoption of our thin-film solar technology for applications in need of reduced logistical burdens and enhanced operational efficiency.”
Ascent reckons that the partnership opens up opportunities for its technology to be incorporated across a wide range of defense and government applications, such as dismounted military operations, tactical communications equipment, remote sensors, unmanned aerial sensors (UAS), mobile command-and-control infrastructure and other mission-critical systems that require reliable expeditionary power.
Ascent expands commercial and defense industry expertise
