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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Cash Equivalents
Cash Equivalents: The Company classifies all short-term investments in interest bearing bank accounts and highly liquid debt securities purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances which may exceed federally insured limits. The Company does not believe this results in significant credit risk.
Investments
Investments: Historically the Company has classified its investments as “available-for-sale.” Such investments are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices with the unrealized holding gains and losses reported as “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Statements of Operations. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are computed using the specific identification method. The Company typically invests in highly rated securities with low probabilities of default. The Company’s investment policy specifies minimum investment grade criteria, types of acceptable investments, concentration limitations and duration guidelines. The Company evaluates declines in market value for potential impairment. If the decline results in a value below cost and is determined to be other than temporary, the investment is written down to its impaired value and a new cost basis is established.
Fair Value Estimates
Fair Value Estimates: Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company uses fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which, the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities
Certain long-lived assets and current liabilities have been measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis. See Note 6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Note 9. Make-whole Dividend Liability. The carrying value for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other assets and liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short maturities.
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions: The Company is party to several operating agreements, including a Joint Development Agreement, a Supply Agreement, a Contract Manufacturing Agreement, and a Services Agreement with TFG Radiant Investment Group Ltd. and its affiliates (“TFG Radiant”), which is also the Company's largest shareholder. Accounting for transactions under these agreements is consistent with the Company's other significant accounting policies.
Foreign Currencies
Foreign Currencies: Bank account balances held in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars utilizing the period end exchange rate. Gains or losses incurred in connection with the Company’s accounts held in foreign currency are recorded in “Other Income/(Expense)” on the Statements of Operations.
Product revenue
Product revenue - The Company is in the development stage and generated product revenues of $1,118,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013. Product revenue is generated from commercial sales of flexible PV modules and PV integrated consumer electronics, non-PV integrated power banks and associated accessories. Products are sold through the Company's own e-commerce website, online retailers, direct to retailers and indirectly to retailers through distributors. Revenue is recognized as products are shipped or delivered and title has transferred to the customer. In certain instances, the Company has agreed to refund a portion of the purchase price to customers if the Company's standard prices decrease. The Company estimates the effect of this price protection and records the difference as a reduction of revenue at the time of sale. Estimated costs of returns and allowances and discounts are accrued as a reduction to sales when revenue is recognized. See Note 3. Significant Accounting Policies, Advertising Costs, for accounting treatment related to cooperative advertising programs.
Government contracts revenue
Government contracts revenue - Revenue from governmental research and development contracts is generated under terms that are cost plus fee or firm fixed price. Revenue from cost plus fee contracts is recognized as costs are incurred on the basis of direct costs plus allowable indirect costs and an allocable portion of the fixed fee. Revenue from firm fixed price contracts is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, with costs and estimated profits included in contract revenue as work is performed. If actual and estimated costs to complete a contract indicate a loss, provision is made currently for the loss anticipated on the contract.
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs: The Company advertises in print, television, online and through social media.  The Company will also authorize customers to run advertising campaigns on its behalf through various media outlets. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses were $201,000, $13,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company classifies shipping and handling costs for products shipped to customers as a component of “Research, development and manufacturing operations” on the Company’s Statements of Operations. Customer payments of shipping and handling costs are recorded as a component of Product revenue.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount as the result of transactions with customers. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company estimates the collectability of accounts receivable using analysis of historical bad debts, customer credit-worthiness and current economic trends. Reserves are established on an account-by-account basis. Account balances are written off against the allowance in the period in which the Company determines that is it probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The Company had no reserved accounts as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Product Warranties
Product Warranties: The Company provides a limited warranty to the original purchaser of products against defective materials and workmanship. The Company also guarantees that standalone modules and PV integrated consumer electronics will achieve and maintain the stated conversion efficiency rating for certain products. Warranty accruals are recorded at the time of sale and are estimated based upon product warranty terms, historical experience and analysis of peer company product returns. The Company assesses the adequacy of its liabilities and makes adjustments as necessary based on known or anticipated warranty claims, or as new information becomes available.
Convertible Preferred Stock
Convertible Preferred Stock: During the second and third quarters of 2013, the Company issued Series A preferred stock and warrants. Upon issuance, the Series A preferred stock was evaluated under FASB ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity" and it was determined the Series A preferred stock was not within the scope of ASC 480; therefore, the Series A preferred stock was not considered a liability under ASC 480. The warrants associated with the Series A preferred stock offering were also not considered a liability as assessed under ASC 480.
Under FASB ASC 470, “ Debt with Conversion Features and Other Options” (“ASC 470"), the proceeds from issuance must be allocated to both the Series A preferred stock and the warrants using the relative fair value method. The allocation of proceeds to the warrants created a discount in the fair value of the Series A Preferred Stock in the amount of $1.1 million. Because the Series A preferred stock was immediately convertible, the discount was accreted as of the date of issuance, recorded as "Additional paid in capital" in Stockholders' Equity and "Deemed dividends on preferred stock and accretion of warrants" in the Statements of Operations.
The Series A preferred stock was then evaluated under ASC 470 to determine if there was a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). A convertible financial instrument includes a BCF if its conversion rate is lower than the issuer's stock price at the commitment date. The BCF compares the carrying value of the preferred stock after the value of any derivatives or equity instruments have been allocated from the proceeds to the transaction date value of the number of shares of common stock the holder would receive upon conversion. The calculation resulted in a BCF of $1.4 million. Because the Series A preferred stock was immediately convertible, the BCF was recorded as of the date of issuance as "Additional paid in capital" in Stockholders' Equity and "Deemed dividends on preferred stock and accretion of warrants" in the Statements of Operations.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company issued Series B preferred stock. Upon issuance, the Series B preferred stock was evaluated under FASB ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity" and it was determined the Series B preferred stock was not within the scope of ASC 480; therefore, the Series B preferred stock was not considered a liability under ASC 480.
Make-whole dividend liability
Make-whole dividend liability: The Series A and Series B preferred stock issuances include make-whole provisions with variable rate dividends which are indexed to the Company's own stock. The make-whole provisions have attributes of embedded derivatives and were evaluated under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging" (“ASC 815”). The Company believes the Series A and Series B preferred stock are considered equity hosts for the purposes of evaluating the make-whole provisions for potential bifurcation. The Series A and Series B preferred stock holders may convert to common shares at any time after issuance. Upon conversion, the holders are entitled to a make-whole dividend which is payable in cash or common shares, at the Company's election. The Company concluded the make-whole payments should be characterized as embedded derivatives under ASC 815. The fair value of make-whole dividend liabilities must be evaluated at each period end, with changes recorded as a component of Other Income/(Expense).
Patents
Patents: At such time as the Company is awarded patents, patent costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the legal life on the patents, or over their estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $880,000 of net patent costs, of which $253,000 represents costs net of amortization incurred for awarded patents, and the remaining $627,000 represents costs incurred for patent applications to be filed. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company capitalized $414,000 in patent costs as it worked to secure design rights and trademarks for newly developed products. Amortization expense was $35,000, $20,000 and $11,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to remain consistent or increase slightly in future periods.
Inventories
Inventories: All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the weighted average method. As a development stage entity with limited production, inventory values do not include labor and overhead allocations which would be typical in higher volume production environments, however, such differences are not significant.
Inventory balances are frequently evaluated to ensure they do not exceed net realizable value. The computation for net realizable value takes into account many factors, including expected demand, product life cycle and development plans, module efficiency, quality issues, obsolescence and others. Management's judgment is required to determine reserves for obsolete or excess inventory. If actual demand and market conditions are less favorable than those estimated by management, additional inventory write downs may be required. The majority of the Company's inventory is raw materials which have a long life cycle; obsolescence is not a significant factor in their valuation. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company recognized lower of cost or market adjustments on certain raw materials in the amounts of $598,000 and $1,022,000, respectively. These expenses are included within “Research, development and manufacturing operations” expense in the Statements of Operations.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are recorded at the original cost to the Company. Assets are being depreciated over estimated useful lives of three to forty years using the straight-line method, as presented in the table below, commencing when the asset is placed in service. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the remainder of the lease term or the life of the improvements. Upon retirement or disposal, the cost of the asset disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in income. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
 
  
Useful Lives
in Years
Buildings
  
40
Manufacturing machinery and equipment
  
5 - 10
Furniture, fixtures, computer hardware/software
  
3 - 7
Leasehold improvements
  
life of lease
Interest Capitalization
Interest Capitalization: Historically the Company has capitalized interest cost as part of the cost of acquiring or constructing certain assets during the period of time required to get the asset ready for its intended use. The Company capitalized interest to the extent that expenditures to acquire or construct an asset have occurred and interest cost has been incurred.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Impairment of Long-lived Assets: The Company analyzes its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment) and definitive-lived intangible assets (patents) for impairment, both individually and as a group, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Events that might cause impairment would include significant current period operating or cash flow losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or group of assets combined with a history of such losses, significant changes in the manner of use of assets and significant negative industry or economic trends. An undiscounted cash flow analysis is calculated to determine if impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related loss is calculated using the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the assets. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred impairments of its manufacturing facilities and equipment in the amounts of $0.8 million, $3.4 million and $78.0 million, respectively. Impairments incurred in 2013 and 2012 were based on estimates prepared by management. The impairment incurred in 2011 was based on management estimates and a valuation analysis by an independent firm.
Net Loss per Common Share
Net Loss per Common Share: Basic earnings per share does not include dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential securities that could share in the earnings of the Company, similar to fully diluted earnings per share. Common stock equivalents outstanding as of December 31, 2013 of approximately 15.3 million shares have been omitted from loss per share because they are anti-dilutive. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options, unvested restricted stock, preferred stock and preferred stock make-whole dividend liability amounts, assuming the make-whole dividend liability is paid in common stock in lieu of cash. Net loss per common share was the same for both basic and diluted methods for the periods ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Research, Development and Manufacturing Operations Costs
Research, Development and Manufacturing Operations Costs: Research, development and manufacturing operations expenses were $21,343,000 and $20,729,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Research, development and manufacturing operations expenses include: 1) technology development costs, which include expenses incurred in researching new technology, improving existing technology and performing federal government research and development contracts, 2) product development costs, which include expenses incurred in developing new products and lowering product design costs, and 3) pre-production and production costs, which include engineering efforts to improve production processes, material yields and equipment utilization, and manufacturing efforts to produce saleable product. Research, development and manufacturing operations costs are expensed as incurred, with the exception of costs related to inventoried raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods, which are expensed as products are sold, assuming the resulting product has been completed, tested and is ready for significant commercial manufacturing.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, technology development costs were $1,148,000, product development costs were $2,101,000 and production and pre-production costs were $18,094,000. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, technology development costs were $1,542,000, product development costs were $1,546,000 and production and pre-production costs were $17,641,000.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes: Deferred income taxes are provided using the liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of the changes in tax laws and rates as of the date of enactment. Interest and penalties, if applicable, would be recorded in operations.
The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years (2009-2013) in these jurisdictions. The Company believes its income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation: The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees, officers, directors, and consultants based on estimated fair values. The Company estimates the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model for option awards. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service period in the Company’s Statements of Operations. Share-based compensation is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, as necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. For purposes of determining estimated fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant the Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes Model”) for option awards. The Black-Scholes Model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Because the Company’s employee stock options may have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options. Management will continue to assess the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of share-based compensation. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies, which could materially impact the Company’s fair value determination. The Company estimates the fair value of its restricted stock awards as its stock price on the grant date.
The accounting guidance for share-based compensation may be subject to further interpretation and refinement over time. There are significant differences among option valuation models, and this may result in a lack of comparability with other companies that use different models, methods and assumptions. If factors change and the Company employs different assumptions in the accounting for share-based compensation in future periods, or if the Company decides to use a different valuation model, the compensation expense the Company records in the future may differ significantly from the amount recorded in the current period and could materially affect its loss from operations, net loss and net loss per share.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2011 and 2012 financial information to conform to the 2013 presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on comprehensive losses for those periods.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.