Ascent Solar Technologies establishes partnership with Darley Defense to expand thin-film solar product access across defense and government markets. THORNTON, Colo., Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTI) ("Ascent" or the "Company"), the leading U.S. innovator in the design and manufacturing of featherweight, flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solutions, today announced a new partnership with Darley Defense, a leading global provider of defense, fire and emergency services equipment, to expand access to Ascent's thin-film PV products throughout defense, federal, space and public sector markets. The partnership will combine Ascent's CIGS solar products with Darley Defense's established procurement channels and robust reach across the defense and government sectors. This further enables market penetration and supports the Company's ongoing mission to simplify how military and government customers evaluate, procure and deploy its advanced solar solutions to meet a broad range of power generation needs. Ascent's thin-film products are uniquely suited to thrive within expeditionary operations in punishing environments with limited access to power sources that often render conventional energy solutions inoperable. Thin-film PV's lightweight, flexible design allows for extended field operations by alleviating dependence on batteries that regularly need time to recharge. "This partnership with Darley Defense advances our commercial strategy of growing our presence in defense, space and other high-value industries in need of durable, reliable power solutions in strenuous conditions," said Paul Warley, Chief Executive Officer of Ascent Solar Technologies. "As military operations become increasingly reliant on advanced electronics deployed in dangerous environments, the durability of our thin-film products will play a crucial role in providing the power generation needed to carry out mission objectives. Together, with Darley Defense's established relationships within these markets, we plan to accelerate the adoption of our thin-film solar technology for applications in need of reduced logistical burdens and enhanced operational efficiency." The partnership opens opportunities for Ascent's technology to be incorporated across a wide range of defense and government applications, such as dismounted military operations, tactical communications equipment, remote sensors, unmanned aerial sensors (UAS), mobile command-and-control infrastructure and other mission-critical systems that require reliable expeditionary power. About Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. Backed by 40 years of R&D, 15 years of manufacturing experience, numerous awards, and a comprehensive IP and patent portfolio, Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative, high-performance, flexible thin-film solar panels, optimized for use in space, military and defense, and other applications where mass, performance, reliability, and resilience are paramount. Ascent's photovoltaic (PV) modules have been deployed on space missions, multiple airborne vehicles, agrivoltaic installations, in industrial/commercial construction as well as an extensive range of consumer goods, revolutionizing the use cases and environments for solar power. Ascent Solar's research and development center and 5-MW nameplate production facility is in Thornton, Colorado. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" including statements about the financing transaction, our business strategy, and the potential uses of the proceeds from the transaction. Such statements also include, but are not limited to, statements related to the intended use of proceeds from the offering and the potential exercise of the series warrants. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current assumptions, expectations, and projections about future events. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "will," "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. No information in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of our future revenues, stock price, or results of operations. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recently filed reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Media Contact

Darley welcomes Jack "J." Taylor III to Fire Advisory Board. By Eric G - Published September 29, 2026 ITASCA, IL - September 29, 2026 - Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack "J." Taylor III to its Fire Advisory Board. Jack "J." Taylor III brings more than three decades of fire service leadership to the Darley Fire Advisory Board. A retired Fire [...] Related Topics:

Rescue Intellitech adds Chuck Evans and Nick Samp as regional sales managers. September 17, 2026 Chuck Evans and Nick Samp Rescue Intellitech Inc. has appointed Chuck Evans and Nick Samp as regional sales managers, expanding its North American sales organization as the firefighter decontamination technology company seeks to deepen relationships with fire departments and equipment dealers. Evans will oversee Rescue Intellitech's Eastern Territory, while Samp will manage the Central Territory. Both will report to Mickey Edwards, vice president of sales, and will focus on expanding the company's presence with fire service customers and channel partners. The appointments add two executives with different backgrounds to the sales organization. Evans brings more than 30 years of experience with the Baltimore County Fire Department, providing direct knowledge of fire department operations and equipment requirements. Most recently, Evans served as sales manager at W.S. Darley, where his responsibilities included dealer development. That combination of fire service experience and distribution relationships is expected to support Rescue Intellitech's expansion across its eastern markets. Samp joins the company from Kroll International, where he managed key accounts. Before Kroll, he held leadership positions overseeing multi-unit operations in the restaurant industry. Based in Michigan, he will apply that account management and operational experience to Rescue Intellitech's Central Territory. "Chuck and Nick bring two very different and highly complementary skill sets to Rescue Intellitech," Edwards said. He pointed to Evans' decades in the fire service and Samp's experience managing key accounts and multi-location operations as strengths for the company's sales strategy. The expansion comes as firefighter health concerns are increasing attention on decontamination practices following fire responses. Toxic contaminants can remain on turnout gear and firefighting equipment after exposure at fire scenes, making equipment cleaning an important part of efforts to reduce firefighters' contact with potentially carcinogenic substances. That shift is creating a more specialized market for equipment designed around firefighter decontamination. Rescue Intellitech develops systems for cleaning personal protective equipment, including its Solo Rescue decontamination washer, which is designed to remove contaminants from firefighting equipment. For suppliers in the category, adoption depends not only on equipment performance but also on relationships with individual departments, dealers and other fire service organizations. Expanding regional sales coverage gives Rescue Intellitech additional capacity to work directly with departments while strengthening the dealer network through which specialized firefighting equipment reaches customers. Evans' operational experience within a fire department could be particularly relevant to those conversations, providing familiarity with how equipment purchasing and decontamination procedures fit into everyday fire service operations. Samp, meanwhile, brings experience managing larger customer relationships and geographically distributed operations. "Their experience, relationships, and understanding of the markets we serve will be important as we enter the next phase of our growth," Edwards said. Rescue Intellitech is part of Sandberg Development Group and provides decontamination technology for personal protective equipment. While firefighters are a core market, the company also serves other industries where workplace safety requires specialized equipment cleaning. The broader Sandberg Development Group includes Aimpoint, Gaim, Nordisk and Camurus. Rescue Intellitech's product portfolio centers on reducing contamination exposure while helping departments maintain equipment and operational readiness. Adding Evans and Samp gives the company dedicated leadership across two major North American territories as it works to translate increased attention to firefighter decontamination into wider department and dealer adoption. Their appointments also strengthen a relationship-driven sales model in a market where purchasing decisions are closely tied to operational requirements, safety practices and trust within the fire service.