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Compliance reference · updated 2026
MIL-STD-810, TAA, and Compliance Standards for Portable PowerKnow what
you’re buying.
A plain-English working reference for procurement officers, contracting officers, program managers and defense buyers evaluating tactical battery generators and solar: MIL-STD-810H, TAA, the Berry Amendment, IP ratings, LiFePO₄ safety and transport rules.
810Hcurrent revision, January 2019
~130TAA designated countries
IP65practical tactical minimum
TRL 9NUE: proven in mission operations
NUE compliance status · at a glance
Straight answers, not badges.
Compliance claims are where portable power marketing gets slippery. Here is exactly where New Use Energy stands, standard by standard, including what is still in process.
Compliant / verifiedIn processRoadmapNot applicable
Compliant / verifiedNDAA Section 889Compliant
Micro-purchase and covered-telecom representation forms on file. GPC form · Official form
Compliant / verifiedCAGE code915L7
Registered for federal contracting. GPC accepted, with a quote in under four hours.
Compliant / verifiedTAA: NUESolar tactical panelsCompliant
NUESolar tactical panels, including the NUESolar 150 Tactical Ultralight, are TAA compliant and eligible for federal procurement.
Compliant / verifiedBattery chemistryLiFePO₄ prismatic
Every SunCase uses prismatic LiFePO₄ cells: the safest lithium for vehicles, shelters and enclosed spaces.
Compliant / verifiedUN38.3 transport testingTested (2425)
The SunCase 2425 is UN38.3-tested for transport. Packaging and state of charge follow IATA DGR and 49 CFR.
In processMIL-STD-810HEngineered to targets · docs in process
SunCase is engineered to the standard’s environmental targets; the Arctic configuration is tested to −40 °F. Formal test documentation is in process.
In processTAA: SunCase lineDomestic supply chain in progress
NUE is moving the full line to a domestic supply chain and U.S. manufacturing as part of its Series A plan.
In processMilitary air transport (DOW)Approvals in process
NUE is working with the Department of War on streamlined LiFePO₄ air-transport approvals for larger SunCase systems.
RoadmapDIU / U.S. Army energy nodesArriving July 2027
1213, 2425 and 3651 equivalents: MIL-STD-810 certified, BAA compliant, TAA certified, with NSNs.
Not applicableBerry AmendmentNot applicable
Berry covers food, clothing, fabrics, fibers and hand tools. Batteries and electronics fall under TAA.
MIL-STD-810H
What is MIL-STD-810?
MIL-STD-810 is a U.S. Department of Defense standard of environmental engineering considerations and laboratory test methods. The current revision, MIL-STD-810H (2019), covers shock, vibration, humidity, salt fog, sand and dust, low pressure and temperatures from −80 °F to +160 °F.
It is not a “military approved” certification. Each method tests one environmental factor and each procedure sets specific conditions, so products are “tested to” named methods. Always ask which methods, which procedures and what conditions.
| Method | Environment | Tests for | Why it matters for a SunCase™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500.6 | Low pressure (altitude) | High-altitude operation | Air-mobile and mountain ops; transport in pressurized aircraft |
| 501.7 | High temperature | Heat up to +160 °F | Desert deployments, vehicle interiors, sun-exposed solar arrays |
| 502.7 | Low temperature | Cold down to −80 °F | Arctic deployments; NUE’s Arctic SunCase configuration |
| 503.7 | Temperature shock | Rapid transitions | Heated vehicle to sub-zero exterior |
| 506.6 | Rain | Driving and blowing rain | Field deployment in any climate |
| 507.6 | Humidity | Warm, humid environments | Pacific theater, jungle ops, field hospitals |
| 509.7 | Salt fog | Coastal corrosion | Naval, littoral and USMC amphibious ops |
| 510.7 | Sand and dust | Blowing sand and dust | CENTCOM AOR, motor pools, helicopter LZs |
| 514.8 | Vibration | Vehicle and aircraft vibration | HMMWV, MRAP, helicopter sling-load |
| 516.8 | Shock | Drops, transit, ballistic shock | Combat handling, parachute drop, off-road |
| 521.4 | Icing / freezing rain | Ice accumulation | Northern Europe, Alaska, NORTHCOM |
NUE status.
MIL-STD-810 compliance is on NUE’s published roadmap. SunCase is engineered to the standard’s environmental targets, and the Arctic configuration is tested to −40 °F with heating elements and insulation around the LiFePO₄ cells. Formal test documentation is in process, and the DIU / U.S. Army energy nodes arriving July 2027 are MIL-STD-810 certified.
Five questions to ask any vendor.
- Which methods and procedures were run?
- What conditions (temperature, duration, profile)?
- Was the testing tailored to my mission life cycle?
- Which lab, and is there a dated report with serial numbers?
- Was the unit operating during the test, or only stored?
Revisions
MIL-STD-810G vs. 810H.
810H (January 2019) is current. It updated test methods, clarified tailoring to real operational use, and refined humidity and temperature-shock procedures. 810G (2008) is still referenced in some legacy procurements.
For portable power, the methods that matter most are temperature (501/502/503), sand and dust (510), vibration (514) and shock (516): the conditions a battery generator actually sees in a truck bed, a sling-load or an arctic OP. Deep dive: MIL-SPEC portable power explained · extreme environments.
Trade compliance
TAA, Berry and Buy American: what’s the difference?
The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 limits U.S. federal purchases to U.S.-made or “designated country” products (about 130 nations with reciprocal agreements). It applies to GSA Schedule buys and most federal contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold.
TAA is not “Made in USA.” Products from the UK, Germany, Japan or Canada can qualify; products from China, Russia and India generally do not.
| Rule | What it requires | Who it applies to | Relevance to portable power |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAA | U.S.-made or designated-country origin (~130 countries) | GSA Schedule and most federal contracts above the SAT | The relevant standard for batteries, electronics and solar |
| Berry Amendment | Domestic only; no designated-country fallback (10 U.S.C. § 4862) | DoD, for food, clothing, fabrics, fibers and hand/measuring tools | Generally not applicable to batteries and electronics |
| Buy American (BAA) | Domestic end products and components (FAR 52.225) | Federal purchases, often below TAA thresholds | DIU / U.S. Army SunCase nodes are BAA compliant (July 2027) |
| NDAA §154 (FY2024) | No DoD funds for batteries from six named Chinese producers | DoD procurement, from Oct 1, 2027 | Ask every vendor for cell-level sourcing |
NUE status: TAA.
NUESolar tactical panels, including the NUESolar 150 Tactical Ultralight Folding Solar Panel, are TAA compliant and eligible for federal procurement. NUE is moving the full line toward a domestic supply chain and U.S. manufacturing as part of its Series A plan.
Is Berry different from TAA?
Yes, and it is stricter: no designated-country fallback, and it applies only to DoD and a defined item list. Most batteries and electronics are TAA-covered, not Berry-covered, so TAA is the standard that matters for portable power. Contractors: see supplier vetting and battery sourcing.
Ingress protection
What IP rating does portable power need?
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a two-digit IEC 60529 code: the first digit for solids (0–6), the second for liquids (0–9). IP65 is the practical tactical minimum: dust-tight and protected against water jets. IP67 adds immersion to 1 m for 30 minutes.
IP54
Limited dust, splashing waterGarrison and barracks onlyIP65
Dust-tight, water jetsField deployment, motor pool, vehicle-mountedIP66
Dust-tight, powerful water jetsNaval, littoral, helicopter-wash exposureIP67
Dust-tight, 1 m immersion for 30 minRiverine, amphibious assault, monsoon opsIP68
Dust-tight, continuous immersionSpecialized maritime equipmentThe SunCase™ operates with its case closed, ports covered, in dust, rain and field conditions consistent with these ratings, and runs upright or lying flat in a truck bed or bunker.
Battery safety
Which chemistry meets military safety standards?
LiFePO₄ (LFP) is the military-standard choice for battery generators: greater thermal stability, a very low thermal-runaway risk under combat load and impact, 3,000+ cycles versus 500–1,000 for NMC, and safe indoor and underground use. Every NUE SunCase uses prismatic LiFePO₄ cells.
| Property | LiFePO₄ (NUE) | NMC (consumer) | Lead-acid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal runaway risk | Very low | Moderate | Low (vents acid) |
| Cycle life | 3,000–6,000+ | 500–1,000 | 200–500 |
| Energy density (Wh/kg) | 90–160 | 150–250 | 30–50 |
| Safe for enclosed spaces | Yes | Caution | No (off-gassing) |
| Operating temperature | −4 °F to +140 °F (Arctic −40 °F) | 32 °F to +113 °F | +5 °F to +104 °F |
| Weight per kWh | ~60% of lead-acid | ~40% of lead-acid | Baseline |
Logistics
How are LiFePO₄ batteries moved by military air?
Lithium transport is governed by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, 49 CFR for U.S. ground shipment, and DoD airlift rules. Watt-hour capacity, state of charge and packaging all affect approval, and every lithium battery must pass UN38.3 testing.
Can a SunCase go on military aircraft? Yes, subject to standard lithium transport rules and packaging. NUE is working with the Department of War on streamlined approvals for larger SunCase systems, a near-term roadmap item.
What “Made in America” means right now.
The industry depends heavily on Asian-made cells, BMS components and inverter electronics. A unit can be U.S.-assembled with imported parts: TAA compliant, but not Berry compliant. Drawing on DoD supply-chain security and lessons from Ukraine’s logistics, NUE has publicly committed to a fully domestic supply chain with U.S.-built components, competitive pricing and on-demand availability.
Glossary
Compliance terms, defined.
- MIL-STD-810H
- 2019 revision of the DoD environmental test standard; replaced 810G (2008).
- TAA
- Trade Agreements Act of 1979: U.S. or designated-country origin for federal buys.
- Berry Amendment
- 10 U.S.C. § 4862: DoD domestic preference for defined items.
- FAR 52.225
- FAR clauses implementing Buy American and TAA.
- NSN
- 13-digit National Stock Number. NUE is working on NSN assignment; DIU nodes carry NSNs.
- TRL
- Technology Readiness Level. NUE products are at TRL 9, proven in mission operations.
- IP rating
- IEC 60529 ingress protection code for solids and liquids.
- BMS
- Battery Management System monitoring cell voltage, temperature and current; NUE BMS includes UL-listed breakers for storage and minimal drain.
- UPS
- Uninterruptible power supply. SunCase transfers to backup power in 20 ms.
- EMI
- Electromagnetic interference. SunCase uses a steel cover over its electronics for low RF emissions.
- LiFePO₄ / LFP
- Lithium iron phosphate; NUE uses prismatic LiFePO₄ cells.
- DOW
- Department of War, the current name for the Department of Defense.
- UN38.3
- Mandatory UN transport tests for lithium batteries.
- NDAA §889
- Prohibits covered telecom and video equipment in federal procurement; NUE representation forms on file.
The SunCase™ lineup
Engineered to the standard.
LiFePO₄ prismatic cells, steel-covered electronics, sealed cases that run lid-closed, and a 20 ms UPS, field-proven across 3,000+ units in Ukraine.
Frequently asked questions
Compliance questions, answered.
Is MIL-STD-810 a certification?
No. It is a test standard. Vendors test against specific methods and procedures and document the results, so ask which methods and conditions were used.
What’s the difference between MIL-STD-810G and 810H?
810H (January 2019) is current. It updated test methods, clarified tailoring to operational use, and refined humidity and temperature-shock procedures. 810G is still referenced in legacy procurement.
Does TAA mean Made in USA?
No. TAA allows U.S. or designated-country manufacture (about 130 countries). UK, German or Japanese products can qualify; Chinese products do not.
Are NUE products on the GSA Schedule?
NUE is expanding federal channels. NUESolar tactical panels are TAA compliant; NUE has resale agreements with ADS and Noble, is onboarding with Atlas Advisors on WEXMAC, and works through SWMAC with the Defense Innovation Unit. GPC purchases are accepted directly.
What’s the cycle life of a SunCase?
3,000+ cycles to 80% capacity with prismatic LiFePO₄ cells (6,000 on the 3651). NUEPower LiFePO₄ batteries offer up to 20× the cycle life of lead-acid at about 60% of the weight.
Can a SunCase go on military aircraft?
Yes, subject to standard lithium transport rules and packaging (UN38.3, IATA DGR, DoD airlift rules). NUE is working with the Department of War on streamlined approvals for larger systems.
Is the SunCase MIL-STD-810 certified?
SunCase is engineered to MIL-STD-810H environmental targets, with the Arctic configuration tested to −40 °F; formal documentation is in process. The DIU / U.S. Army energy nodes arriving July 2027 are MIL-STD-810 certified.
Related: Military portable power · Military Power Field Guide · SunStealth
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