Maybe as late as five years ago, solar was seen as a huge opportunity for flexible and printed electronics, but technology advances and market possibilities for thin film photovoltaics have not materialized as anticipated. As a result, a number of companies dropped out of the market all together.
 
A few companies went a different route, looking for niche markets where there technology could be useful. The key word here is niche, as large-scale installations are not viable for many thin-film solar products due to lifetime requirements, efficiencies, etc.
 
Instead, using the strength of thin-film solar – flexibility, lightweight and lower cost – can help find the applications where it can be useful. For example, two companies have entered the consumer electronics space with solar generators for hand-held electronics and outdoor applications.
 
The first company to move into this space, Ascent Solar has had the most success in this area, with its EnerPlex system of chargers now available online with WalMart, Best Buy and other major retailers.
 
The EnerPlex Surfr Battery and Solar Case is designed for Apple and Samsung products. EnerPlex Kickr is a line of portable solar chargers for most USB-enabled devices. The Jumpr line consists of portable batteries. The latest models are the Commandr, for larger electronics, and Packr solar-integrated backpacks.
 
“EnerPlex has uniquely positioned ourselves as a premium power solution and green alternative to the outlet; providing power for devices which all consumers use, whether it be phones, tablets, cameras, wearables or other devices,” said Richard Hashim, GM of EnerPlex.
 
The company’s revenue has grown with the release of these products. Ascent Solar’s 2014 sales were $5.3 million, up 308% from $1.3 million in 2013. Product revenue was $5.0 million, up 355% from $1.1 million in 2013. For the first half of 2015, revenue was $2.9 million, up 57% from the first half of 2014.
 
“I am pleased with the continued growth in the first half of 2015 and am excited about the potential of the company after delivering our first ever $5M revenue mark in the history of Ascent Solar in 2014,” said Victor Lee, president and CEO of Ascent. “With the ongoing expansion of our distribution channels, I am optimistic to set yet another significant revenue milestone of over $10M for fiscal year 2015. The repositioning of Ascent Solar over the past three years is beginning to yield results, particularly in regards to the accelerating growth and acceptance of the EnerPlex line of products in retail channels.”
 
Recently, PowerFilm, Inc. launched a Kickstarter crowd funding campaign for its HelioVault, which the compnay is presenting at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, UT. This includes PowerFilm’s LightSaver line of solar power systems, which provide energy for immediate use or storage.
 
“We are all excited to have created a new, highly portable solar power system which can provide enough power to drive common electrical equipment that previously would have required line power or a gas generator,” said Frank Jeffrey, CEO and founder of PowerFilm, Inc.
 
The use of solar for mobile devices and outdoor equipment makes sense, if the economics are there (efficiency in particular). It is the kind of niche market that manufacturers can find opportunities in.