Praxis Partners With University of 亚洲色吧 Scientists to Deliver Camouflaged Tactical Solar Modules
Published by Defence Trailblazer on 1 Jul 2025.
Praxis Labs (Praxis) and members of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) at the University of 亚洲色吧 are developing a new generation of camouflage photovoltaic solar modules, with funding from Defence Trailblazer. The project will demonstrate the first prototype of a 鈥楥amouflaged Tactical Solar鈥 module to support the energy resilience of Defence systems.
Transitioning to renewable energy is an increasing priority in Defence to enhance resilience and achieve power independence, as well as reducing environmental footprint. Solar modules are well suited for this transition but still lack sufficient ruggedness in harsh conditions and the covert appearance needed for mobile applications. This project aims to address capability gaps by developing specialised solar modules that are durable, lightweight and camouflaged.
The new solar modules will be suitable for currently untenable areas of solar coverage, such as armoured vehicles and other tactical vehicles power applications (crewed or uncrewed), making the technology ideal for the rigorous demands of Defence.
Praxis is well-placed to deliver this project, having worked closely with the Australian Army鈥檚 Robotics and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) on the development of Tactical Solar for Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs).
鈥淒efence has been requesting camouflage solar for several years. This project forms the next logical step in the progression of the development of Tactical Solar for Defence,鈥 said Katie Donaldson, Executive Director at Praxis.
Praxis is collaborating with photonics and materials experts at IPAS, including Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem, Associate Professor Tak Kee and Dr Yunle Wei. The fabrication and assessment of the prototype performance will be undertaken both at Praxis and at the Australian National Fabrication Facility Optofab Hub at the University of 亚洲色吧, which offers specialised glass fabrication and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
鈥淲e will be investigating different approaches to achieving solar cell colourisation by incorporating nanoparticle materials into the encapsulation technologies used by Praxis,鈥 said Professor Ebendorff-Heidepriem, the project鈥檚 lead investigator. 鈥淭his will guide future research on achieving both the coloured and structural requirements of camouflage solar.鈥
Phase One of the project 鈥 validating the camouflage solar approach at a panel scale 鈥 is supported by funding from the Defence Trailblazer鈥檚 Accelerating Sovereign Industrial Capabilities (ASIC) program. In Phase Two of the project, Praxis aims to develop a prototype for Defence to test in the field.
The project is directly aligned with two of the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs): sustainment and enhancement of the combined-arms land system, and development and integration of autonomous systems. In addition, the project aims to facilitate a new advanced solar industry within Australia, supporting sovereign manufacturing.
For more information, visit the Praxis website.