Solar Panels Power Marines in Afghanistan

Alternative energy test wins over skeptics

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 18, 2011 3:25 AM CST

(Newser) – US Marines in Afghanistan say flexible solar panels aren't just helping them cut back on fuel consumption, they're making military personnel safer. A unit testing the Solar Portable Alternative Communications Energy System—SPACES—says it reduced generators' diesel consumption from 20 gallons a day to 2.5 gallons a day, reducing the need for resupply convoys and for the noisy generators to be run at night, NPR reports.

The panels are used for lighting and to recharge batteries and laptops. "It's way more tactical not running the generators at night," a platoon sergeant says. "At night the noise of a generator can carry a long way, become a calling card for insurgents." When they first received the equipment, he adds, "I was a skeptic. As Marines, we do not always like change." The test, however, has confirmed "how crucial and important renewable energy is." Click for more on the military's switch to solar technology.

Marines pose in front of the ZeroBase Generator. (Gunnery Sgt. William Price/USMC)

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

wwwonderer

Jan 18, 2011 9:54 AM CST

I never understood why we don't have alternative energy in EVERY government building. Every library. Every post office. Even most schools; certainly the ones that get their funds from tax dollars. It just makes sense doesn't it? But you have to imagine there is a Energy lobbyist that says you NEED the energy company. I'd prefer my tax dollars to go towar

CHRiSTFELD

Jan 18, 2011 8:35 AM CST

Marines don't like change?... How about this change: US. Out. Of. Afghanistan.

HappyHabenero

Jan 18, 2011 6:06 AM CST

thats cool as hell pardon the pun.....Wish I could do the same at home...I have six acres of land I would festoon with solar and wind adjuncts, if it didn't cost so damn much...but I do power a Kenwood Ts-2000 and a laptop with a solar trickle charger running to two car batteries in parallel

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Solar Panels Power Marines in Afghanistan

Alternative energy test wins over skeptics

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US military • renewable energy • solar power • solar panel • Afghanistan war • Marine Corps

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