Trailspace.com Blog
January 29, 2010

OUTDOOR RETAILER: SOLAR POWER IN SMALL PACKAGES

By Bill Straka

Several sources of solar power panels and solar powered devices were shown at the Outdoor Retailer winter trade show. Many of the newest solar chargers Alicia and I saw are intended for recharging small items like smartphones, iPods, digital cameras, flashlights, and rechargeable batteries. However, larger capacity models also are available from most companies, for those who need greater charging power.

FTL Solar had several foldable panels on display, plus a 285-watt 12-volt awning. Until now, FTL Solar, which claims to be the "world leader" in lightweight solar panels, mostly has sold to the military.

They do offer commercial products, such as parking structure roofs, rooftop building installations, and small and large solar tent structures for governments, businesses, and public and private institutions. They also make units for disaster relief and humanitarian needs.

FTL Solar's main portable units displayed were camo or civilian black with low-reflective power panels, at a cost of $11/watt ($10/watt for the black civilian units). The "sail" (on the tent top) is $22/watt, with a wind rating of 50 mph. FTL Solar panels are offered in PET recycled fabric.

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About FTL Solar:

FTL Solar's unique patent-pending products are the first and only pre-fabricated, mass produced photovoltaic (PV) tensile structures in the world. FTL Solar's structures are innovative and in this new "Green" age, are an expression of practical function and form. FTL Solar structures integrate thin film PV with super strength fabric to create architecturally refined solar canopies, arrays and enclosures that turn sunlight into electricity. Additional information for FTL Solar can be found at www.ftlsolar.com.

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