Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTI) is positioning itself as a key player in the marine solar panel market, which is projected to reach $5 billion by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13.1% from 2025 to 2035. The company develops featherweight, flexible, and durable CIGS thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels that are saltwater-resistant and cost-effective, according to the company. With partnerships including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the Georgia Institute of Technology, Ascent Solar is increasingly expanding into marine applications.
Ascent Solar’s CIGS solar cells are gaining traction in the marine industry due to their thin-film PV design, which makes them lightweight and flexible. Their performance in low light makes them suitable for space exploration, drones, and surface and underwater vehicles, both military and commercial. The company claims a competitive edge with its ability to deliver solar arrays in six to eight weeks, significantly faster than competitors’ lead times of nine to 12 months. This manufacturing speed is expected to benefit original equipment manufacturer boatbuilders and integrators requiring responsive supply chains.
Ascent Solar has existing experience in the marine market, having delivered modules for saltwater testing and underwater monitoring applications. These modules demonstrate the potential of remote systems under extreme conditions, which is critical for ocean monitoring, offshore platforms, and long-range vessels. The company’s patented Monolithic Integration (MI) technology allows panels to continue generating power even if partially damaged or punctured, a crucial feature for solar-powered boats in deep ocean environments where traditional panels would fail.
Ascent Solar is actively expanding its maritime footprint. An ocean monitoring company is currently testing the functionality and durability of Ascent’s PVs in aquatic terrestrial applications to enable persistent equipment operation. Meanwhile, the Georgia Institute of Technology is integrating solar arrays directly into the wings of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for ocean monitoring, developing solar-powered seaplanes for persistent, long-range maritime surveillance. Ascent Solar sees its panels as a solution for persistent ocean buoys, sensors, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) surface charging, and electric boat hulls. Beyond traditional surface PVs, the company’s technology has drawn interest from developers of autonomous vehicles, a niche but rapidly expanding area within the broader marine solar market.
By combining rapid manufacturing with extreme durability, Ascent Solar is positioning itself to lead the next generation of green ships and applications. For more information, visit Ascent Solar's website.
