Army seeks fabric-integrated solar cells

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has contracted the development of solar cells that can be integrated into the fabric of soldier clothing and equipment to power electronic gear.

Few details were provided on the project but Massachusetts company MC10 said the cells would be integrated into helmet coverings and rucksacks.

The contract was given to MC10 by the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center.

"Soldiers today carry a lot of high-tech gear but often go long periods of time without access to power," said MC10 Chief Executive Officer David Icke. "MC10 is providing a renewable power source that doesn't add to the heavy load our soldiers already carry. We look forward to developing this essential capability so our troops can most effectively use the gear they carry -- even under the most difficult circumstances."