PowerFilm Solar
Last verified: April 2026
Read our full verification: Is PowerFilm Solar Made in USA?Est. 1988
PowerFilm Solar has been manufacturing products in Ames, IA since 1988. We carry 6 verified American-made PowerFilm Solar products.
Heritage & History
PowerFilm Solar was founded in 1988 as a spin-off from Iowa State University research into thin-film photovoltaic technology. The company developed manufacturing processes for depositing amorphous silicon onto flexible plastic substrates — a fundamentally different approach from conventional crystalline silicon panels mounted on rigid glass.
The result was a solar panel that could roll up, survive being folded, tolerate moisture and extreme temperatures, and weigh a fraction of conventional alternatives. The U.S. military became an early major customer, using PowerFilm panels to power electronics in the field where portability and durability are non-negotiable requirements. Consumer products followed, and the company has remained in Ames, Iowa for over three decades of continuous innovation.
Made in the USA
Every PowerFilm Solar panel is manufactured in Ames, Iowa using the company's proprietary thin-film deposition process. The flexible amorphous silicon technology tolerates partial shading better than crystalline panels, continues producing power in overcast conditions, and maintains output across temperature extremes from -40°F to 185°F.
The consumer product line includes USB chargers, AA/AAA battery chargers, and standalone panels in rollable and foldable form factors. The USB+AA model charges both USB devices and rechargeable AA batteries simultaneously — a practical solution for hikers and emergency preparedness kits who need to power both modern devices and legacy equipment. All products are explicitly labeled Made in Iowa, USA.
Quick Picks
PowerFilm Solar 3.6V 100mA Rollable Solar Panel
PowerFilm Solar
Electronics
PowerFilm Solar 14V 200mA Foldable Solar Panel F15-1200
PowerFilm Solar
Electronics
PowerFilm Solar 7.2V 100mA Rollable Solar Panel
PowerFilm Solar
Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PowerFilm Solar made in the USA?
Yes. PowerFilm Solar manufactures 6 verified products in Ames, IA. PowerFilm Solar has manufactured thin-film rollable solar panels in Ames, Iowa since 1988 using proprietary amorphous silicon technology that produces flexible, waterproof, and durable solar panels for military, outdoor, and consumer applications that glass-based panels cannot serve.
Where is PowerFilm Solar manufactured?
PowerFilm Solar is headquartered in Ames, IA. Manufacturing takes place in Ames, IA.
What PowerFilm Solar products can I buy?
We carry 6 verified PowerFilm Solar products across Electronics. Every listing links directly to Amazon with verified American manufacturing.
When was PowerFilm Solar founded?
PowerFilm Solar was founded in 1988. PowerFilm Solar has manufactured thin-film rollable solar panels in Ames, Iowa since 1988 using proprietary amorphous silicon technology that produces flexible, waterproof, and durable solar panels for military, outdoor, and consumer applications that glass-based panels cannot serve.
Does PowerFilm Solar ship from Amazon?
Yes, all PowerFilm Solar products listed here are available on Amazon with free shipping for Prime members.