THIN FILM SOLAR PANELS

While some in the civilian world are still pitching the “drill baby drill” approach to future energy, the U.S. Marines are betting on portable, sustainable energy-harvesting systems like a new 300-watt photovoltaic and battery arrangement called the Ground Renewable Expeditionary ENergy System, or GREENS.

For ease of set-up the GREENS solar panels fold out of frames that resemble metal suitcases, which also double as a durable transportation platform.  The system was developed by the Office of Naval Research in just over a year, in response to a request by Marines looking for a renewable power system to support field operations in Iraq.  It’s also one sustainable solution to the ever growing need for energy to power military field computers and other portable electronic gear.

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