PowerFilm Solar Inc. is utilizing the skills of many ISU alumni to revolutionize solar energy.

In 1988, Dr. Frank Jeffrey, who earned a doctorate in physics from Iowa State, teamed with fellow 3M researcher Dr. Derrick Grimmer to start their own company when 3M decided not to continue researching thin film technology.

Mike Coon, vice president, also graduated from Iowa State with degrees in agricultural education and international studies. He later went back to school to earn his MBA.

Coon said Jeffrey decided to start his company in Ames because of his experience at Iowa State.

“He knew that ISU had a supportive environment,” Coon said. “Office space was provided for him, and he recognized there was a strong pool of talent at Iowa State.”

That strong pool of talent, Coon said, has helped PowerFilm Solar succeed over the years.

“We hire lots of Iowa State alumni,” Coon said, “with degrees in electrical, mechanical, material and chemical engineering, as well as physics and business majors.”

Coon said that while solar energy may not have been conventional when PowerFilm Solar first opened, it has gained recognition recently.

“In the past two years, there has been a tremendous amount of mainstream interest in solar energy,” Coon said.

He added that many of the company’s products can be seen around Ames and on campus. CyRide bus shelters use PowerFilm Solar’s flexible panels, and the Ames Police Department uses magnetic solar panels.

“Right now we’re working on smaller products, some that can be integrated into bags or clothing,” Coon said.

PowerFilm Solar also makes a foldable USB charger for iPods and Blackberrys, and they custom engineer their own equipment.

On a larger scale, PowerFilm Solar has developed Powershades, which are solar-fueled tents, for the military that can hold two kilowatts of power. According to its Web site, the company also provides the military with foldable solar chargers that can charge laptops, cell phones and GPS units.

“We supplied the military with an initial quantity for them to try out, and it’s gaining popularity,” Coon said. “There’s a lot of interest in using products and providing power at a low-cost basis. They want to reduce the gas-fueled power they use.”

Coon added that PowerFilm Solar is currently in the lead with fabric integrated products and solar tents.

“This is the ultimate tailgating tent,” Coon joked.

Besides the military, Coon said they also provide their products to disaster relief organizations. “We recently provided some of our products to Haiti,” he said.

Coon said PowerFilm Solar has experienced “great growth and has significant potential. The company began with a lot of thought and good choices in its core technology. We had a lot of options, and we’ve proven to be a strong foundation that we will continue to build from.”

PowerFilm Solar products are available online at www.amazon.com, or visit the company online at www.powerfilmsolar.com.