The electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in local batteries and converted to 110 AC for general wall outlet use, or, in some cases, is used directly for low-voltage lighting systems. The buildings can be either off-grid or grid-connected.
PowerFilm's initial building integrated solar power application is solar field shelters it has developed for the US Army, with its field shelter partner Johnson Outdoors/Eureka Tents. Shipments of solar field shelters to the US Army began in 2005.
PowerFilm is in the advanced stages of development of its 20-year lifetime building integrated solar panels for integration with metal roofing, membrane roofing, and architectural fabric. The company has completed a 10-kilowatt demonstration and evaluation project on metal roofing. PowerFilm plans to finalize independent third-party testing of its 20-year building integrated products and with building integrated strategic partners, launch building integrated solar products in 2007.
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