US Department of Defense will provide $14.4m to expand solar cell production for military satellites

Through the Defense Production Act Investment, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has appropriated $14.4m for the production of germanium substrates in solar cells fitted onto military satellites. The investment aims to help the supplier, 5N Plus Semiconductors, to maintain and expand its production capabilities, facilities, and tools while minimizing production variabilities.
This initiative will also improve germanium sourcing, recovery, and refining and will support product diversification to ensure long-term merchant supplier business viability.
The effort is part of the 2024 National Defense Industrial strategy, which aims to continue and expand support for domestic production focusing on key areas critical to building a modernized defense ecosystem over the next 3-5 years.