Swift Solar, a U.S. solar technology firm, has introduced its advanced perovskite solar modules during a Department of Defense (DoD) cyber warfare exercise held in Virginia. These U.S.-manufactured tandem solar devices were integrated into the Cyber Fortress event in Virginia Beach, where the DoD simulated a cyberattack on the national power grid. The initiative aims to examine the capacity of high-efficiency solar technology to enhance energy resilience in defense operations.
The deployment occurred alongside the Rapid Deployment Hybrid MicroGrid (RDHM) system from Resilient Energy & Infrastructure. Swift Solar highlighted that its perovskite modules could achieve efficiency levels of up to 30% above the current market standards, offering benefits such as improved power-to-weight ratios and better resistance to radiation. The venture has garnered $7 million in support from the U.S. Department of Energy and investment from Eni and Stamford University.
Andre Slonopas, the Cyber Fortress Lead from the U.S. Army, emphasized the importance of strengthening energy resilience through U.S.-manufactured perovskite technology, stating it could effectively meet the rising energy demands of modern military operations. Swift Solar’s CEO, Joel Jean, noted that collaborating with the DoD validates their technology’s applicability in defense scenarios and establishes Swift Solar as a potential leader in efficient solar solutions for government needs.
Moreover, recent discussions at the PV CellTech USA conference indicated growing industry interest in perovskite technology, particularly regarding its two-terminal solutions. Experts foresee that perovskite innovations might first find niche usages in defense and space, then expand to broader commercial and residential applications, given their superior power metrics. However, challenges persist in commercializing perovskite technology, primarily due to its susceptibility to environmental factors like air and moisture, which complicates stability and long-term deployment.