In order to meet the energy demands of front-line U.S. soldiers in remote areas of Afghanistan, two types of portable renewable energy technologies have recently been developed. The systems –which debuted at a recent the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) symposium in Baltimore, Maryland – will give soldiers more mobility, allowing them to operate away from bases for a longer period of time.

One is the Rucksack Enhanced Portable Power System (REPPS), developed by the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) Army Power Division. REPPS is a lightweight device that can charge laptops and other electronics of similar energy needs. Made up of flexible photovoltaic (PV) modules, it is a continuous power source that will allow soldiers to carry solar-powering stations in their rucksacks. A series of connectors and adaptors allow multiple devices to be charged. If there is a need to charge something high-powered, the REPPS can be chained together for increased potential. REPPS is capable of charging electronics in five to six hours.

The other technology is the Reusing Existing Natural Wind and Solar system (RENEWS), a hybrid wind-solar energy system that is meant for soldiers’ higher energy needs. RENEWS is larger than the REPPS and requires a team of two to transport it around. The reason for it s size is because it incorporates a battery storage. The panels and turbines collect and store the energy in the battery, and devices are charged through AC/DC outlets.

Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), through which the manufacturing and deployment of the renewable energy systems are being funded, more than 700 REPPS and 125 RENEWS will soon reach soldiers in Afghanistan.

For more on the armed forces are making use of solar power, check out “U.S. Marine Corps Gets Solar in the Field.”