Marines Target Solar Energy Development on Front Lines

In remote battle locations, electronic devices used for communications and targeting run on electricity from generators. Transporting fuel to these places is risky and expensive. The Navy is therefore focusing on renewable energy to power computers in the field.

During the first quarter of this year, the Navy will start procuring renewable power systems made up of solar panels and rechargeable batteries. Known as the Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy System (Greens), it can provide an average continuous output of 300 watts of electricity, with peaks of up to 1 kW.

According to the report in Defense Systems, that's enough to power most of the essential communications and targeting electronics that Marine forces would need in remote locations.

Last October, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced five energy goals through the year 2020. One of the goals is to ensure that by the end of the next decade, at least 40% of the Navy's total energy consumption comes from alternative sources.