Solar Electric Systems (SES) is a Canadian energy technology company that develops portable solar-charged power systems for sites without established electrical infrastructure, including military installations, mines, oil and gas operations, film productions, emergency response sites and remote communities. The SES system is designed for deployment in less than 30 minutes without permanent infrastructure or routine diesel deliveries. Each configuration includes a concentrator photovoltaic solar collector, modular battery storage, a docking and charging system, and a skid, pallet or trailer platform. The design is intended for locations where transporting fuel and maintaining conventional generators add logistical costs.

The system is designed to power communications equipment, surveillance systems, lighting, tools, and other electrical loads where grid access is unavailable. Diesel generators require fuel deliveries, maintenance, and replacement parts, while fixed solar installations often need permanent mounting structures and dedicated space. SES is developing a portable alternative that pairs sun-tracking solar collectors with replaceable batteries. Operators can configure the system with one to 10 battery modules to match their electricity needs. Commercial adoption will depend on prototype performance, independently verified operating data, equipment reliability and the cost of generating electricity compared with diesel-powered alternatives.

SunDog Concentrator Solar Technology

SunDog is the solar-generation component of the SES platform. Unlike conventional flat silicon panels, it uses concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology, which directs sunlight through optical lenses onto small, high-efficiency photovoltaic cells. A two-axis tracking mechanism follows the sun throughout the day, keeping the lenses aligned with incoming sunlight. The system uses Fresnel lenses and multi-junction cells developed for demanding applications, including space systems. Each collector module has its own maximum power point tracking controller to regulate electrical output as sunlight and operating conditions change. The modular design also allows individual collectors to be replaced without removing an entire array.

The SunDog development program includes a P1 prototype rated at approximately 558 watts, with seven hexagonal, six flat, and four diamond-shaped modules. A P2 pilot configuration is rated at approximately 1,249 watts and is planned for evaluation. The equipment is intended for locations where low sun angles, high temperatures, partial shading and difficult maintenance access can limit conventional solar installations. Sun tracking and module-level power management are designed to reduce output losses, although independent field data is needed to measure performance across different locations and operating periods. Two patent applications cover aspects of concentrator geometry, sun tracking, power architecture and system integration; one has been filed, while the other remains provisional.

BESSe Storage and Sun Cradle

BESSe is the battery-storage component of the platform, designed for transport and replacement by field personnel. The product comes in two capacities: a large module rated at 2,400 watt-hours and a small module rated at 1,200 watt-hours. Their listed weights are approximately 23 kilograms and 12 kilograms, respectively. Each module provides 120-volt AC, 12-volt DC and USB-C outputs, allowing users to power equipment without a separate inverter for smaller loads. The storage system accommodates lithium iron phosphate and sodium-ion battery chemistries. Docking hardware identifies the connected battery chemistry and adjusts charging parameters. The batteries are rated for operation from minus 40 degrees Celsius to plus 50 degrees Celsius, with active self-heating below minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Sun Cradle pairs one SunDog collector module with one BESSe battery in a portable unit weighing approximately 15 to 18 kilograms. Designed for handling by two people, the unit can be deployed without a crane or forklift. Its AC, DC and USB-C outputs can power lighting, radios, instruments, laptops and other field equipment. The same docking interface connects Sun Cradle to the larger SES platform, allowing operators to add collectors and batteries as electricity requirements grow. The full platform uses a 96-by-48-inch skid, pallet or trailer base and can accommodate up to 10 BESSe modules. Actual output and operating duration will depend on sunlight, battery capacity and connected loads.

Defense Procurement and Commercial Launch

SES holds NATO Commercial and Government Entity registration under NCAGE L12R7 and is registered in the U.S. System for Award Management, enabling it to pursue eligible government procurement opportunities. The company has received approval for an Ontario innovation grant and has engaged with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. SES also attended CANSEC 2026, Canada’s annual defense and security exhibition, in May. Participation in procurement systems and industry exhibitions can help a supplier connect with potential customers, but neither registration nor attendance establishes a defense contract or operational deployment. Those milestones require customer evaluations, procurement decisions and completed agreements.

In May 2026, Rob Gorrie joined SES as chief executive officer and co-founder as the company prepared its prototype and pilot program for defense, energy and production customers. The development schedule calls for the P1 prototype to be completed in the third quarter of 2026, pilot evaluations in the fourth quarter and commercial launch in January 2027. SES is seeking pilot partners to evaluate the equipment at operating sites before commercial release. The next milestones include prototype completion, field trials, verification of electrical output, battery performance in extreme temperatures and assessment of maintenance requirements. MIL-STD-810 testing is planned, while UL 9540 certification remains in progress. Commercial adoption will depend on test results, manufacturing readiness and the cost of replacing or reducing diesel generation at remote sites.

ABOUT | ROB GORRIE

Rob Gorrie, co-founder, is the CEO of Solar Electric Systems, a Canadian energy technology company developing portable solar power and battery systems for defense, oil and gas, mining, emergency response and other remote operations. He joined SES in May 2026 alongside company originator and chairman Bob Gorrie, bringing experience in technology and operations leadership. Gorrie is responsible for the company’s strategy, partnerships and commercial entry as it prepares its field-deployable concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) power platform for prototype completion and customer trials. His work at SES draws on the energy requirements of remote industrial operations, where transporting diesel fuel and maintaining generators can add substantial operating costs.