These solar-powered tents will be able to power communication devices, laptops, and more, and use thin amorphous silicon in the solar cells.
“The technology has reached the point where the testing has shown they [solar-powered tents] are proven. Our teams have worked on the inverters and the durability of the systems. The durability of the tent covers has evolved to a point where we would like to see more of them deployed. They are ideal for charging up batteries, making sure your (communications), night vision goggles and computers are powered up. You don’t want a generator on top of a mountain, and you don’t want to have to bring fuel to a generator or haul batteries,” said an Army spokesperson.
In a few years, we may see this for backpackers, who have GPS, flashlights, headlamps, as well as mobile devices that need charging.