PowerFilm Solar
Last verified: April 2026
Read our full verification: Is PowerFilm Solar Made in USA?Verification Summary
American Score
Manufacturing Location
Ames, IA
Headquarters
Ames, IA
Founded
1988
Products Verified
5 products
Evidence Breakdown
Factory Location Specificity
Specific factory city identified
Website Claim
Brand website explicitly claims Made in USA
Manufacturing History
Established USA manufacturer
Known Overseas Production
No known overseas production
Verification Notes
PowerFilm Solar manufactures all thin-film rollable solar panels in Ames, Iowa. Their facility uses proprietary amorphous silicon deposition technology developed entirely in-house. All products explicitly labeled Made in USA.
Last verified: April 2026
PowerFilm Solar has been manufacturing products in Ames, IA since 1988. We carry 5 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PowerFilm Solar made in the USA?
Yes. PowerFilm Solar manufactures 5 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 5 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.