Ascent Solar Technologies Inc of Thornton, CO, USA, which makes lightweight, flexible copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic modules, has announced distribution partnerships with Osaka-based Kyodo International Corp and Tokyo-based NARA Co Ltd for its EnerPlex line of consumer products in Japan.
Kyodo International specializes in supporting the entry of consumer electronic goods into the Japanese market. NARA has a history of bringing both large electronics as well as consumer-oriented electronics to market in Japan.
"Japan represents a strong consumer market for our EnerPlex brand, a highly tech-savvy and affluent customer base which is also highly engaged in the renewable energy marketplace," says John Maslanik, Ascent's manager of business development. "In addition these partnerships open new opportunities for Ascent's revolutionary solar technology to be integrated into larger power-generation projects."
The EnerPlex product line of solar-integrated consumer electronics provides lightweight, powerful and durable charging solutions for portable electronics. Surfr, a line of solar- and battery-integrated phone cases, allows users to charge their phone anywhere and in cases of emergency. Kickr, a line of portable solar chargers, provides a charging solution for most USB-enabled devices. With the addition of the Jumpr line of portable batteries, consumers now have a complete, integrated, solar charging and storage solution, says Ascent.
