Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of flexible CIGS solar panels, has been named a development partner for Bye Aerospace Inc.'s innovative aircraft programs for the aerospace and defense markets.

George Bye, Chairman and CEO of Bye Aerospace, said solar energy is a key component to several of Bye Aerospace's programs. "One concept currently in development, the Silent Guardian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), relies on thin film solar photovoltaics (PV), stored electric power and other technologies to enhance its potential for long endurance, quiet operations and low emissions," he said. "With Ascent Solar as a development partner, our development time should improve drastically."

Victor Lee, President and CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies, said, "We are pleased to partner with Bye Aerospace and look forward to furthering their development efforts with our lightweight, durable, flexible thin-film solar modules. Ascent Solar's transformational technology enables renewable power generation in aircraft applications while adding minimal weight to the vehicle. We are excited to apply our technology in collaboration with Bye Aerospace to develop a new generation of UAVs."