Ascent Solar Technologies Selected by U.S. Air Force for Advanced Flexible Lightweight Photovoltaics

New Technology to Benefit Products that Operate at Higher Temperatures

THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules, announced today that it has been selected for an Air Force Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase 2 award to demonstrate a next-generation photovoltaic product that builds upon its award-winning flexible monolithically integrated copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) technology.

“Solar cells perform best at lower temperatures, but they can get hot during normal operation”

Subject to contract finalization, the Air Force SBIR Phase 2 program is expected to run 24 months with a program value of up to $750,000.

“Solar cells perform best at lower temperatures, but they can get hot during normal operation,” stated Victor Lee, President and CEO at Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. “Modifying our existing technology can improve its performance at higher temperatures. This Air Force program builds upon significant work already conducted by our team in this area. After program completion, we envision a new product that will perform over 30% better under some operating conditions that utilize process modifications that can be used in our existing manufacturing line.”

About Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that can transform the way solar power generation integrates into everyday life. Ascent Solar modules, which were named one of TIME Magazine's 50 best inventions for 2011, can be directly incorporated into standard building materials, commercial transportation, automotive solutions, space applications, consumer electronics for portable power and durable off-grid solutions. More information can be found at www.ascentsolar.com.

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