The turning point for Dr. Osbert Cheung’s solar-panel business came when he captured the attention of the U.S. military.

His company, Concord-based SBM Solar Inc., produces photovoltaic panels that use high-efficiency crystalline silicone cells found in other models. However, Cheung’s panels don’t have the glass typically found in other types. His thin-film panels are light and flexible, and they also stand up to the test of extreme temperatures.

The lightweight energy source is ideal for soldiers who spend long hours in the field. Cheung showed his product to U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell of the 8th Congressional District, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

Kissell then arranged a meeting between Cheung and the U.S. Marines in the California desert. They tested the panel in 120-degree weather.

Now, the majority of SBM’s panels are sold to contractors who work with the military.

“One challenge has been finding solar panel technologies that can accomplish our goals without compromising durability or sacrificing efficiency of solar energy conversion,” said Philip Keller of Colorado-based Composite Technology Development, which has used SBM’s panels for its military projects.

“This is where SBM Solar’s product excels.”

Last year, SBM began producing military-grade panels now used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Soldiers who used to carry dozens of pounds worth of battery packs to charge radios or computers daily can now charge their devices with the energy harnessed by SBM’s lightweight solar panel.

The staff is small with just 10 employees, but Cheung hopes to hire more.

“In the past, sometimes I couldn’t get to sleep because I was concerned about (getting) my next orders,” Cheung said. “Now I can’t sleep because I’m trying to figure out how I can get my next order done and shipped.”

Cheung talks more about his business:

On making his panels in the USA: Foreign manufacturers like SBM’s panels, too. Cheung, a Beijing native, was courted by Chinese manufacturers who wanted him to develop his product on his home soil. Cheung declined.

“I developed this technology in the U.S. and believe I should be able to manufacture (it) in the United States,” said Cheung, 59.

On persevering after rejection: Founded in 2001, the company spent five years on research and development before applying for Underwriters Laboratories certification – a requirement for companies wanting to sell their electronic goods.

After four years, four rejection letters and about $150,000 spent in application fees, SBM Solar got its UL certification in 2010.

On what’s to come: Though SBM Solar received $100,000 in federal stimulus money in 2009, the company started with mostly the financial support of family and friends.

“We struggled like any small business ... never enough money,” said Cheung, who offers consulting to other solar-energy companies.

Commercially, SBM is developing solar panels to run golf carts, RVs and air-conditioning units in 18-wheeler trucks.

SBM Solar isn’t yet making a profit, but Cheung hopes to reach the break-even point by the end of the year and turn a profit in 2013.

His goal is to develop these panels into a product that can be used for a wide range of purposes, including the shifting demands of the military.

Commercially, SBM is developing solar panels to run golf carts, RVs and air-conditioning units in 18-wheeler trucks.

“We constantly want to change to build a better product,” Cheung said.

What has been a pivotal “Turning Point” for your small business? Contact Caroline McMillan: cmcmillan@charlotteobserver.com, 704-358-6045