Solar power, UAV firms partner

THORNTON, Colo., May 14 (UPI) -- A U.S. developer of flexible solar panels has become a development partner of Bye Aerospace Inc. in its aerospace programs, including UAVs.

The company is Ascent Solar Technologies Inc., whose thin-film photovoltaic modules use flexible substrate materials.

"One concept currently in development, the Silent Guardian unmanned aerial vehicle, relies on thin film solar photovoltaics, stored electric power and other technologies to enhance its potential for long endurance, quiet operations and low emissions," said George Bye, chairman and chief executive officer of Bye Aerospace.

"With Ascent Solar as a development partner, our development time should improve drastically."

Added Victor Lee, president and chief executive officer of Ascent Solar Technologies: "We are pleased to partner with Bye Aerospace and look forward to furthering their development efforts with our lightweight, durable, flexible thin-film solar modules.

"Ascent Solar's transformational technology enables renewable power generation in aircraft applications while adding minimal weight to the vehicle. We are excited to apply our technology in collaboration with Bye Aerospace to develop a new generation of UAVs."