Ascent Solar (NASDAQ: ASTI) announced separate sales of its space-grade CIGS solar panels. The first order concerned CIGS panels optimized for receiving beamed power. The second order shipped to a European space company slatted for launch later this year. Both sales appear related to testing and product qualification. ASTI did not disclose the size of either sale either in terms of wattage or dollar amount.
The application of satellites receiving beamed power is not as far fetched as it first may seem. Beaming energy to customer’s satellites is the business plan of Florida start-up Star Catcher. Ground tests were performed in late March 2025 in which energy was beamed to “multiple” solar arrays. The arrays included components compatible with existing satellite power systems. It is unclear if these tests included Ascent Solar. Star Catcher plans launching its first satellite(s) later in 2025.
ASTI has yet to file its FY 2024 annual report. ASTI posted just under $42,000 in revenue cumulatively over the first three quarters of 2024. In a March 2024 investor slide deck, Ascent Solar advised $5-7 million in potential 2024 4Q revenue. The same investor deck also referenced $50 to 80 million in potential 2025 annual revenue. This is extremely unlikely, as discussed on this site already. ASTI likely will not come even close to either number. If ASTI’s 2025 revenue is 1/10th advertised, its stock still certainly would represent a strong buy. However even that – reaching just $8 million in 2025 sales – seems a real stretch.
ASTI stock after the above two press releases closed down again, trading at $1.41 per share. This is an all-time low.