Konarka Technologies will supply the US Army with flexible plastic sheeting that converts light into energy — technology that could someday find its way into the casing of laptops or even clothing to power portable devices.

Troops could recharge devices by connecting them with energy-converting plastic sheets that would thus replace disposable batteries. The sheeting also could be woven into sunlight-soaking tents, reducing the need for diesel fuel for noisy, polluting generators.

Advances in semiconducting materials allow for lower-cost production of lightweight solar cells that can be woven into plastics and textiles — including camouflage-patterned materials the company is developing for the Army.

Via Yahoo News.