NanoFlex Power Corp - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

The Company is engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of advanced photovoltaic technologies that enable thin film solar products with what we believe can be industry-leading efficiencies, light weight, flexibility, and low total system cost. Our sponsored research programs at the University of Southern California (“USC”), the University of Michigan (“Michigan”), and Princeton University (“Princeton”) have resulted in an extensive portfolio of issued and pending patents worldwide covering flexible, thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Pursuant to our license agreement with our university research partners, we have obtained the exclusive worldwide license and right to sublicense any and all intellectual property which resulted from sponsored research programs with the universities. While each patent is issued in the name of the respective university that developed the subject technology, the Company has exclusive commercial license rights to all of the patents and their attendant technologies, and the patents are referred to herein as being the Company’s patents.

As of December 31, 2019, there were approximately 82 issued patents and 42 pending non-provisional applications, and one pending provisional application. In addition, in countries and regions outside the U.S., including, but not limited to, China, European Patent Convention, India, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, there were a total of approximately 114 issued patents and 114 pending patent applications. These numbers exclude issued and pending patents that the Company has identified for abandonment to optimize its patent portfolio and reduce unnecessary or redundant costs while still protecting critical technologies. The duration of the issued U.S. and foreign patents is typically 20 years from their respective first effective filing dates. In addition to our issued patents set forth above, we have numerous patent applications in process. While each patent is issued in the name of the respective university that developed the subject technology, the Company has exclusive commercial license rights to all of the patents and their attendant technologies, and the patents are referred to herein as being the Company’s patents.

These patented and patent-pending technologies fall into two general categories – (1) cost reducing and performance-enhancing fabrication processes and device architectures for ultra-high efficiency Gallium Arsenide (“GaAs”)-based solar thin films and (2) organic photovoltaic (“OPV”) materials, architectures, and fabrication processes for low cost, ultra-thin solar films offering high quality aesthetics, such as semi-transparency and tinting, and highly flexible form factors. The technologies are targeted at certain broad applications that require high power conversion efficiency, flexibility, and light weight. These potential applications include: (a) mobile and off-grid solar power generation, (b) BAPV, (c) BIPV, (d) space vehicles and UAVs, (e) semi-transparent solar power generating glazing on windows, (f) ultra-thin solar films for automobiles or other consumer and industrial applications and (g) solar powered sensors.

The patent applications currently being filed are part of a dynamic, comprehensive development strategy to protect our commercialization rights. Following this developmental strategy, current work builds on earlier work, with new discoveries continually developed and protected. Additionally, as we progress with product development and commercialization, we also have focused on optimizing the patent portfolio, reducing unnecessary or redundant costs while still protecting critical technologies.

Exemplary U.S. patents related to our high efficiency thin film solar technologies include U.S. Patent Nos. 8,378,385, 8,927,319, 9,118,026, 9,548,218, 9,461,193, 9,412,960, 10,069,033, 10,074,820, 10,141,465, 10,186,629, and 10,340,187 which will expire on September 9, 2030, October 23, 2030, September 14, 2031, February 7, 2033, August 7, 2033, December 16, 2033, January 15, 2035, June 26, 2034, April 6, 2035, February 4, 2026, and March 18, 2026, respectively.  In addition to these issued patents, we are pursuing additional protection for our high efficiency thin film portfolio in over 15 pending U.S. patent applications. If U.S. patents are successfully issued with respect to these pending applications, we expect that the earliest expiration date for the patents will be no earlier than June 2032.

Exemplary U.S. patents related to our OPV-related technologies include U.S. Patent Nos. 9,666,816, 9,391,284, 9,515,275, 8,912,036, 8,158,972, 9,768,402, 8,785,624, 9,447,107, 8,816,332, 9,130,170 9,847,487, 10,069,095, 10,141,531, 10,333,079, and 10,374,164, which will expire on August 22, 2028, August 28, 2028, October 26, 2029, March 19, 2030, March 24, 2030, April 6, 2031, June 27, 2031, September 9, 2031, February 21, 2032, November 1, 2032, November 22, 2033, March 14, 2034, November 27, 2033, September 14, 2025, and September 4, 2025, respectively.  In addition to these issued patents, we are pursuing additional protection for our OPV-related portfolio in over 15 pending U.S. patent applications.

Some of our technology holdings include foundational concepts in the following areas:

High Efficiency Thin Film Solar Technologies:

Organic Photovoltaics:

Development Goals

The Company plans to accelerate the commercialization of its high efficiency technology (as set forth below) but there can be no assurance that the Company will obtain the necessary capital to fund such plans. Our research and development efforts are now focused primarily on developing energy harvesting products which capitalize on our high-performance thin film photovoltaic intellectual property. In addition, we will engage in collaborative research and development with industry partners, including existing compound semiconductor solar cell manufacturers. Our engineering team is in position to develop NanoFlex products as well as support the transfer of technologies from university laboratories to implementation in industry partners’ commercial product designs and fabrication processes.

Our engineering team is now focused on developing new NanoFlex products as well as working closely with potential customers such as military users for mobile field applications, and system integrators, installers, and architects for BAPV and BIPV applications. This customer interaction allows the Company to better understand application specific requirements and incorporate these requirements into our product development cycle. Our primary technical objective is to demonstrate the efficacy of our high efficiency solar thin film technologies in NanoFlex products. We plan to demonstrate ND-ELO technology on GaAs wafers of increasing diameter and on compound semiconductor solar cells of increasing complexity. The Company plans to produce prototypes for demonstrations, test, and evaluation. Once competitive advantage is demonstrated in an application the Company plans to scale its product production for its own sales and marketing plans.

The Company aims to achieve greater than 15% power conversion efficiencies on organic solar cells with operational lifetimes of 20 years on barrier-coated plastic or metal foil substrates, and to demonstrate roll-to-roll “printing” of solar cells on plastic or metal foil substrates of increasing width.

Overall Operating Plan

Our business model is now shifting to focus on developing, manufacturing and marketing complete NanoFlex products which have a competitive advantage due to our intellectual property. NanoFlex has developed energy harvesting internet of things (IoT) complete sensor systems that utilize both our Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) and, in the future, our III-V semiconductor non-destructive lift off (ND ELO) intellectual property. These sensor systems are totally wireless with higher energy budgets for their size than any other cloud connecting wireless sensors. This high energy harvesting capability (indoor and outdoor) will enable completely wireless, “place and forget” sensor systems for many vertical IoT sensor markets to include agriculture, ecology, building automation, medical, energy infrastructure, military, wearables, and other applications. Nanoflex will launch its first line of energy harvesting sensors in 2020. NanoFlex will manufacture and market these IoT sensors direct to customers and with partners. We expect to work with well-positioned commercial partners who can support manufacturing and marketing capabilities to enable rapid commercial growth.

In addition to the wireless IoT sensors NanoFlex has received support from the DOE to develop building integrated OPV. On May 20, 2019 the Company and its development partner, True Metal Solutions (TMS) were awarded an SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) Phase 1 grant for $200,000. The overall scope of the program is to design, develop, manufacture, and market the first U.S building integrated organic solar modules for building facades. Our company brings with it 20+ years of critical intellectual property development on thin film organic solar cells and combined with TMS’ leadership in designing and manufacturing building facade technology, we together will drive towards the first U.S. building integrated organic solar modules. With the anticipated award of Phase II ~ ($1.0M) in 2020 our team will complete the overall system design and scale this technology to assemble demonstration façade systems on buildings in the Phoenix area where our subcontractor already has the architectural, building owner, and general contractor relationships.

To support this work, our OPV and III-V solar engineering team operates out of our development and prototyping center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We are enhancing and expanding this development facility with the support of the recently won phase I DOE funding. OPV modules to support both our sensor systems and building integrated designs will be manufactured in NanoFlex manufacturing facility planned for construction in the 2020- 2021 timeframe in Arizona. NanoFlex is completing the IoT electronics hardware and software designs and expects to outsource the system assembly and packaging to contract assemblers. NanoFlex will sell and market its IoT sensors under a new brand name and through an enhanced website.

We are also pursuing sponsored development funding to generate revenue in the near-term as well as subsidize our product development with non-dilutive financing. In connection with our focus on potential government-sponsored research projects, on June 19, 2017, the Company announced that that it is part of a consortium that was awarded a $6.3 million contract from the Army Research Laboratory’s Army Research Office to develop high power, flexible, and lightweight solar panels for portable power applications. The consortium consists of NanoFlex, SolAero, the University of Michigan, and the University of Wisconsin. Pursuant to the foregoing and as part of the consortium, SolAero was awarded a 4-year contract amounting to $6.3 million with the Army Research Lab (ARL) to develop solar power mats. SolAero has engaged the Company as a subcontractor for $3.3 million over 4 years of which $1.6 million will be provided to the University of Michigan as a subcontractor to the Company. The Company’s contract with SolAero provides for direct reimbursement of the Company’s costs, including indirect overhead. On February 1, 2019 we were informed by SolAero that the Army had suspended funding to support other priorities but kept the contract in place with the intention of refunding and proceeding ahead with the program. The Company was reimbursed for all costs incurred through that date.

Having an established technical team enables us to more effectively pursue and execute sponsored research projects from the Department of Defense (“DoD”), the Department of Energy (“DOE”), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”), each of which has interests in businesses that can deliver ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency solar technologies for demanding applications. However, there can be no assurance that the Company can effectively pursue such research projects, nor if it can, that such pursuit will be successful.

As reported in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 7, 2017, on February 2, 2017, the Company entered into a License Agreement with SolAero Technologies Corp. (“SolAero”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to grant SolAero a non-exclusive worldwide license to use, sell, offer for sale, import or otherwise dispose of certain products (the “Licensed Products”) using the Company’s patented proprietary manufacturing processes relating to Gallium Arsenide-based photovoltaic cells (the “Licensed Patents”) within the space and near-space fields of use (the “License Field”). SolAero is to pay the Company a royalty based on sales of the Licensed Products within the Licensed Field. The agreement does not provide SolAero with the right to sublicense the Licensed Patents. The term of the agreement runs from February 2, 2017 through the expiration date of the last expiring patent included in the Licensed Technology. However, each party may terminate the agreement upon a material breach by the other party. On February 1, 2019 this license agreement was terminated along with the ARL contract suspension.

There can be no assurance that our overall term operating plan will be successful or that the capital needed to fulfill it can be raised.

Near Term Operating Plan

Our near-term focus is on advancing our product development efforts while containing costs. The Company requires approximately $13 million to continue its operations over the next twelve months to support its development and commercialization activities, fund patent application and prosecution, service outstanding liabilities, and support its corporate functions. Our operating plan over the next twelve months is comprised of the following:

The Company believes that it has made progress with each of the components of this operating plan and has aligned its operations and cost structure with expediting the development and commercialization of our high efficiency solar technologies. The Company has taken steps to reduce patent expenses, particularly related to optimizing its OPV patent portfolio. The Company has realigned its research and development operations with several strategic actions, including hiring Company engineers to focus on high efficiency product development and technology transfer from Michigan to a commercial environment. The Company believes that it is making positive progress with these efforts.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s near-term operating plan will be successful or that it will be able to fulfill it as it is largely dependent on raising capital and there can be no assurance that capital can be raised nor that we will be awarded the government contracts that it is currently pursuing.

In the event that we raise less than the required amount of capital, our focus is planned to be on prioritizing our commercialization effort to capture near-term revenue opportunities and limiting spending on general and administrative expenses and patent costs.

Market Opportunity

There are several key trends that we believe are reshaping the future of the global energy mix, including continued rapid growth in the use of solar technologies, a retreat from nuclear power in some countries, and the emergence of unconventional natural gas production. These trends are driving a pronounced shift away from oil, coal, and nuclear towards renewables and natural gas. Expectations are building for a concerted global effort to tackle climate change, according to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2016.

Expansion of solar generation worldwide is a necessary component of any serious strategy to mitigate climate change, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (“MIT”) Energy Initiative. In recent years, solar costs have fallen substantially, and installed capacity has grown very rapidly. Nonetheless, solar energy currently accounts for only about 1% of global electricity generation.

Solar PV installations have experienced rapid growth over the past several years. According to IHS Technology, global solar installations were estimated to have reached 77 gigawatts (“GW”) in 2016, 90 GW in 2017 and are forecast to reach 113 GW in 2018.

The dominant solar photovoltaics (“PV”) technology, used in approximately 90% of installations, is wafer-based crystalline silicon (“c-Si”), with thin-film technologies, such as cadmium telluride (“CdTe”), copper indium gallium selenide (“CIGS”), and amorphous silicon (“a-Si”), accounting for approximately 10% of the PV market, according to the MIT Energy Initiative. However, current c-Si technologies have inherent technical limitations, including high processing complexity and low intrinsic light absorption, which requires a thick silicon wafer, resulting in rigidity and heavy weight, according to the MIT Energy Initiative. We believe these form factor constraints largely limit the addressable market for crystalline silicon-based solar to rooftop and utility-scale installations, which currently dominate the solar power installed base.

The Company plans to initially focus its high efficiency technologies and products on applications that are not well-served by c-Si-based solar panels and rather demand solar solutions with some combination of high power, light weight, and flexibility. These markets include aerospace (space vehicles and UAVs), mobile and field generation, and BIPV and BAPV, where high efficiency GaAs thin films can be applied to multi-story rooftops as well as building facades and IoT applications for solar powered sensors and devices. Likewise, the Company will focus its OPV technologies on products where its highly flexible form factor and semi-transparency add value, such as glazing applications, including skylights, curtain walls, facades, and windows as well as IoT applications for solar powered sensors and devices.

Global BIPV installations were 4.9 GW in 2017 and are projected to increase to 11.1 GW in 2020, according to Science Direct Energy Procedia (2017) 993-999. We expect adoption of BIPV solutions will be driven in part by Net Zero Energy Building (“NZEB”) regulations, which require buildings to produce as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. NZEB goals are achieved through a combination of energy efficiency measures and onsite renewable energy generation. The California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) has set several NZEB goals, including targeting all new residential construction and all new commercial construction within the State to be net zero energy by 2020 and 2030, respectively, and 50% of existing buildings will be required to retrofit to meet NZEB goals by 2030.

Competition

The Company is focused on developing commercializing and licensing advanced solar technologies that will enable entry of solar PV into new applications and also potentially compete with established solar technologies in traditional solar markets.

The solar PV sector is highly competitive, characterized by intense price competition among commercialized technologies and aggressive investment in emerging technologies as companies attempt to compete within the solar markets as well as within the overall electric power industry. The current solar market is dominated by c-Si technology, with some penetration by CdTe and CIGS thin film technologies, according to SolarBuzz. C-Si solar cells are produced at massive scale and have established a low-cost position within the rooftop and utility-scale PV markets. Advanced solar technology development efforts encompass various multiple technology platforms at various stages of development.

Within emerging applications, we anticipate our technologies will compete primarily with advanced technologies on a basis of cost and performance, but importantly on functionality and aesthetics as we open new applications to solar power. Additionally, we believe that we will compete with other research and development organizations for funding from government agencies, laboratories, research institutions, and universities. Some of our existing or future competitors may be part of larger corporations that have greater financial resources than we do and, as a result, may be better positioned to adapt to changes in the industry or the economy as a whole.

High efficiency compound semiconductor solar technologies have been limited to specialty niche applications due to their high costs; although numerous research efforts are focused on reducing manufacturing costs. Within the high efficiency solar sector, there are a small number of manufacturers, including Spectrolab, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company; SolAero, Azur Space (Germany); MicroLink Devices; Sharp Corporation (Japan); Alta Devices, a subsidiary of Hanergy Thin Film (China); Spectrolab, SolAero, and Azur Space which produce commercial GaAs solar cells for highly specialized applications such as military and space-borne systems, and for which demand is inelastic due to the high prices associated with the technology. Some of these companies are attempting to reduce manufacturing costs to enable entry of high efficiency compound semiconductor solar technologies into commercial terrestrial markets. We believe the Company’s patented GaAs ND-ELO and mini-concentration technologies present the opportunity to significantly reduce the cost for high efficiency solutions and believe that we could potentially license our technology to these companies.

OPV technologies are in the development stage, with numerous activities ongoing among government laboratories, universities, and private enterprises. Currently, we are not aware of any commercialized OPV technologies, but we believe there are a limited number of developers planning introduction within the next several years.

Ongoing research and development on OPV materials and devices are currently being performed by Heliatek (Dresden, Germany); Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation; LG Chemical; BELECTRIC OPV (Kolitzheim, Germany); Solvay (Brussels, Belgium; acquired Plextronics); Polyera (Skokie, Illinois); and Solarmer Energy (El Monte, California); among others. Research institutions may also become our competitors, such as University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, Berkley, Fraunhofer-Institut fur Solare Energiesysteme (ISE), Empa, a Swiss federal laboratory for materials science and technology. We believe the Company’s exclusive intellectual property rights surrounding technologies for small molecule OPVs present a formidable obstacle for those wishing to compete with us and present opportunities for potential partnerships.

Regulation

The Company has not yet introduced commercial products and, as such, has not commenced any governmental approval process. The Company anticipates that the applicability and extent of government approval requirements will depend on the particular end-market. Successful introduction of our products into certain markets may require significant government testing and evaluation prior to high volume procurement. We anticipate that the installation of products based on our high efficiency and OPV technologies will be subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with national and local ordinances relating to building codes, safety, environmental protection, utility interconnection and metering and related matters.

Governments implement various policies to facilitate the adoption of solar power, including customer-focused financial incentives such as capital cost rebates, performance-based incentives, feed-in tariffs, tax credits, and net metering. Capital cost rebates provide funds to customers based on the cost and size of a customer’s solar power system. Performance-based incentives provide funding to a customer based on the energy produced by their solar power system. Feed-in tariffs pay customers for solar power system generation based on energy produced, at a rate generally guaranteed for a period of time. Tax credits reduce a customer’s taxes at the time the taxes are due. Net metering allows customers to deliver to the electric grid any excess electricity produced by their on-site solar power systems, and to be credited for that excess electricity at or near the full retail price of electricity.

In addition to the mechanisms described above, new market development mechanisms to encourage the use of renewable energy sources continue to emerge. For example, many states in the United States have adopted renewable portfolio standards which mandate that a certain portion of electricity delivered to customers come from eligible renewable energy resources. In certain developing countries, governments are establishing initiatives to expand access to electricity, including initiatives to support off-grid rural electrification using solar power.

Employees

Currently, the Company employees consist of eight full-time personnel – our Chief Executive Officer, six engineers, and an office manager. The Company’s Chief Technology Officer provides support on a consulting basis. Depending on the availability of capital, the Company plans to expand its engineering team, hiring process and product engineers to support stage gate product development leading to product launches and licensing agreements. In addition, the Company expects to hire marketing and supply chain organizations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Risks Relating to Our Business

There is doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain financing and force us to cease operations.

We have only generated limited revenues to date. In their audit reports for the fiscal years 2019 and 2018, our independent registered public accounting firm expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We had current liabilities of $14,087,321 and current assets of $267,940 as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, we had a working capital deficit of $13,819,381 and an accumulated deficit of $247,644,087. We generated revenues of $293,278 and $905,443 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and we lack sufficient capital to fund ongoing operations, including our research and development activities and for maintenance of our patent portfolio. We have funded our initial operations by way of sale of equity securities, convertible note financing, short term financing from private parties, and advances from related parties. We anticipate that we will continue to experience net operating losses as we seek to commercialize our technologies and that the continuation of our business and our ability to service existing liabilities will continue to be dependent primarily on raising capital.

Our net operating losses require that we finance our operations from outside sources through funding from the sale of our securities. If we are unable to obtain such additional capital, we will not be able to sustain our operations and would be required to cease our operations. Investors should consider this when determining if an investment in our Company is suitable.

Even if we do raise sufficient capital and generate sufficient revenues to support our operating expenses, there can be no assurance that the revenue will be sufficient to enable us to develop our business to a level where it will generate sufficient profits and cash flows from operations or provide a return on investment. In addition, if we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted, the newly-issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders and the trading price of our common stock could be adversely affected. Further, if we obtain additional debt financing, a substantial portion of our operating cash flow may be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on such indebtedness, and the terms of the debt securities issued could impose significant restrictions on our operations. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, our shareholders may lose their entire investment.

We are presently solely dependent on raising capital to maintain our Company, our patent portfolio, research and development activities and efforts to commercialize our technologies.

We are currently in the development stage and have not yet commercialized any of our technologies nor have we licensed any of our technologies other than our Agreement with SolAero, as discussed above, or sold any products, and have only generated limited revenues and are solely dependent on raising capital to fund our operations. We currently need to raise capital in order to maintain our operations, our patent portfolio, research and development activities and efforts to commercialize our technologies, as well as to pay our approximately $3.9 million in outstanding accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2019.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the capital that we need or that if we can, that it will be available on terms that are acceptable to us or our shareholders or which would not substantially dilute existing shareholders’ interests. If we fail to raise sufficient capital, we will be unable to maintain our Company or our patents or commercialize our technologies which may result in a total loss of our shareholders’ investments.

We have entered into convertible note transactions which contain variable conversion prices which could result in substantial dilution to our shareholders.

As disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have entered into a number of financing transactions in which we have sold convertible notes which, if not paid by the stipulated maturity date, can convert into shares of our common stock at a significant discount to the market price. In connection with each of these transactions, we have been required to reserve a significant number of shares for conversion with our transfer agent in the event that conversion occurs. For instance, in a transaction on August 15, 2019 for a $75,000 convertible note, we reserved 15,000,000 shares of our common stock.

While we plan to repay each of these convertible notes prior to maturity, and in fact have paid off previous notes with similar terms, there can be no assurance that monies will be available to do so as we need to raise additional capital. In the event any of these notes are converted by their holders and such holders sell our common stock in the market, it is anticipated that this will result in a substantial decrease in our stock price and substantial dilution to our shareholders as a result of the discounted prices at which the holders will obtain our common stock. The more stock that is sold by a holder of these notes, the more likely it is that our stock price will be substantially lowered by such selling activity as the market for our common stock is not well developed or active.

We will need additional capital to fund our growth and we may not be able to obtain sufficient capital on reasonable terms and may be forced to limit the scope of our operations.

If adequate additional financing is not available to us, or if available, if it is not available on reasonable terms, we may not be able to fund our future operations and we would have to modify our business plans accordingly. There is no assurance that additional financing will be available to us.

If we cannot obtain additional funding, we may be required to: (i) limit internal growth (ii) limit the recruitment and retention of additional key personnel, and (iii) limit acquisitions of businesses and technology. Such limitations could materially adversely affect our business and our ability to compete. 

Even if we do find a source of additional capital, we may not be able to negotiate terms and conditions for receiving the additional capital that are acceptable to us. Any future capital investments could dilute or otherwise materially and adversely affect the holdings or rights of our existing shareholders. In addition, new equity or convertible debt securities issued by us to obtain financing could have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. We cannot give you any assurance that any additional financing will be available to us, or if available, will be on terms favorable to us.

We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant losses as we seek to commercialize our technologies.

Our operating subsidiary was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in February 1994. We have been a development-stage company since that time and have only generated limited revenues to date. Since our incorporation we have incurred significant losses. We expect that our expenditures will increase to the extent we seek to continue to develop strategic partnerships to commercialize our products. We expect these losses to continue until such time, if ever, as we are able to generate sufficient revenues from the commercial exploitation of our high efficiency and organic photovoltaics (“OPV”) technologies to support our operations. Our high efficiency and OPV technologies may never be incorporated in any commercial applications. We have encountered and will continue to encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by early, commercial-stage companies in rapidly evolving industries. If we do not address these risks successfully, our business will suffer. We may never be profitable. We may be unable to satisfy our obligations solely from cash generated from operations. If, for any reason, we are unable to make required payments under our obligations, one or more of our creditors may take action to collect their debts. If we continue to incur substantial losses and are unable to secure additional financing or secure financing on terms that are favorable to us, we could be forced to discontinue or further curtail our business operations; sell assets at unfavorable prices; refinance existing debt obligations on terms unfavorable to us; or merge, consolidate or combine with a company with greater financial resources in a transaction that may be unfavorable to us.

Our inability to achieve and sustain profitability could cause us to go out of business and for our shareholders to lose their entire investment.

We are a development-stage company and have only generated limited revenues to date. We cannot provide any assurance that any of our business strategies will be successful or that future growth in revenues or profitability will ever be achieved or, if they are achieved, that they can be consistently sustained or increased on a quarterly or annual basis. If we are unable to grow our business sufficiently to achieve and maintain positive net cash flow, we may not be able to sustain operations and our shareholders’ entire investment may be lost.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to meet our payment obligations.

As of December 31, 2019, we had total indebtedness of approximately $7.7 million. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to our stockholders. For example, it makes it more difficult to raise additional equity or debt capital; it could require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations, when and if such cash flow commences to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts and other general corporate purposes; increase our vulnerability to and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business; place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; limit our ability to borrow additional funds, dispose of assets, and make certain investments; and make us more vulnerable to a general economic downturn than a company that is less leveraged.

A high level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may default on our debt obligations. Our ability to meet our debt obligations and to reduce our level of indebtedness will depend on our future performance. General economic conditions and financial, business and other factors affect our operations and our future performance. Many of these factors are beyond our control. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to pay the interest on our debt and future working capital, borrowings or equity financing may not be available to pay or refinance such debt. Factors that will affect our ability to raise cash through an offering of our capital stock or a refinancing of our debt include financial market conditions, the value of our assets and our performance at the time we need capital.

Our business could be adversely affected by general economic conditions which may negatively affect our ability to be profitable.

Our business could be adversely affected in a number of ways by general economic conditions, including higher interest rates, consumer credit conditions, unemployment and other economic factors. Changes in interest rates may increase our costs of capital and negatively affect our ability to secure financing on favorable terms. During economic downturns, we may have greater difficulty in gaining new customers for our products and services. Our strategies to acquire new customers may not be successful, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our patents depend upon the continued effectiveness of our license agreement with USC, Michigan and Princeton University, the termination of which could materially impair our ability to continue our business.

Pursuant to that certain License Agreement dated August 22, 2016, by and among the Company, USC, Michigan and Princeton University, we have obtained the exclusive worldwide license and right to sublicense any and all intellectual property resulting from our sponsored research programs. If the License Agreement expires or is terminated for any reason, including by our default or breach thereof, our ability to generate revenues could be substantially impaired and our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted. 

We are in arrears on payments to certain critical vendors and may not have sufficient capital to pay such vendors in the future which could negatively impact our business.

We are currently in arrears with regard to payments to certain of our vendors and may not have sufficient capital to pay such vendors in the short term or long-term future. If we continue to fall behind on these payments and if we are unable to ultimately pay our vendors, the vendors may stop providing critical services to us. Additionally, if our vendors remain unpaid, they may seek to recover payments owed to them by bringing legal claims for such payments against us. We may not be able to successfully defend these claims which may lead to our being ordered to pay such amounts by a court of lawful jurisdiction which could have a negative effect on our business operations.

Our success is dependent in part on market acceptance of thin-film solar technology.

Our success is dependent in part on market acceptance of thin-film solar technology. Thin-film technology has a limited operating history making it difficult to predict a level at which the technology is competitive with other energy sources without government subsidies. If thin-film technology performs below expectations or if it does not achieve cost competitiveness with conventional or other solar or non-solar renewable energy sources without government subsidies, it could result in the failure of the technology to be widely adopted in the market. This could significantly affect demand for thin-film solar technologies and negatively impact our business.

We may never develop or license a product that uses its high efficiency or OPV technologies.

We have devoted substantially all of our financial resources and efforts to developing our OPV technologies and identifying potential users of our technologies. Development and commercialization of the photovoltaic technologies is a highly speculative undertaking and involves a substantial degree of uncertainty. Neither we nor anyone else has developed any product that uses our OPV technologies, nor have we licensed its high efficiency or OPV technologies to anyone else who has developed such a product. We may never develop a commercially viable use for those technologies, may never achieve commercially viable performance for our OPV technologies and may never license our high efficiency or OPV technologies to anyone. Even if we or a licensee of ours does develop a commercially viable product or use, the product may never become profitable, either because it is not developed quickly enough, it is not developed to meet industry standards, or because no market for the product is identified, or otherwise.

Our business is based on new and unproven technologies, and if our high efficiency or OPV technologies fail to achieve the performance and cost metrics that we anticipate, then we may be unable to develop a demand for our products or generate sufficient revenue to support our operations.

Our high efficiency and OPV technologies are new and unproven at commercial scale production, and such technologies may never gain market acceptance, if they do not compare favorably against competing products on the basis of cost, quality, efficiency and performance. Our business plan and strategies assume that we will be able to achieve certain milestones and metrics in terms of throughput, uniformity of cell efficiencies, yield, cost and other production parameters. We cannot assure you that our technologies will prove to be commercially viable in accordance with our plan and strategies. Further, we or our strategic partners and licensees may experience operational problems with such technology after its commercial introduction that could delay or defeat the ability of such technology to generate revenue or operating profits. If we are unable to achieve our targets on time and within our planned budget, then we may not be able to develop adequate demand for our high efficiency and OPV technologies, and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We may not reach profitability if our high efficiency and OPV technologies are not suitable for widespread adoption or sufficient demand for our technologies does not develop or develops slower than we anticipate.

The extent to which solar photovoltaic (“PV”) products based on our technologies will be widely adopted is uncertain. If our high efficiency and OPV technologies prove unsuitable for widespread adoption or demand for our high efficiency and OPV technologies fails to develop sufficiently, we may be unable to grow our business or generate sufficient revenue from operations to reach profitability or maintain our business. In addition, demand for solar modules in our targeted markets may not develop or may develop to a lesser extent than we anticipate. Many factors may affect the viability of widespread adoption of solar PV technology and demand for our high efficiency and OPV products, including the following:

If we do not reach profitability because our PV technology is not suitable for widespread adoption or due to insufficient demand for solar PV modules, our financial condition and business could be materially and adversely affected.

Our intellectual property rights with regard to its high efficiency and OPV technologies may be challenged.

Pursuant to the license agreement dated August 22, 2016 by and among the Company, USC, Michigan and Princeton University (as mentioned above), we have obtained exclusive rights to an extensive portfolio of issued and pending U.S. patents, plus their foreign counterparts relating to advanced thin-film PV technologies. We may obtain rights to additional patents and patent applications under its Sponsored Research Agreements. However, additional patent applications may never be filed and we may never obtain any rights to such applications. Any patent applications now pending or filed in the future may not result in patents being issued. Any patents now licensed to us, or licensed to us in the future, may not provide us with any competitive advantages or prove enforceable. Our rights to these patents may be challenged by third parties. The cost of litigation to uphold the validity, or to prevent infringement of patents and to enforce licensing rights can be substantial and beyond our financial means. Furthermore, others may independently develop similar technologies or duplicate our high efficiency and OPV technologies licensed to us or design around the patented aspects of such technology. In addition, there can be no assurance that the products and technologies we will seek to commercialize will not infringe patents or other rights owned by others, or that licenses for other’s technology will be available.

Our success is dependent on a small number of management personnel.

As we are a development stage company, our management consists of only three management employees who together, are responsible for all our management functions, including, commercialization of our technologies, strategic development, financing, accounting and other critical functions. We do not have key man insurance on any of our management personnel. Our future success significantly depends on the continued service and performance of our management personnel and the loss of the services of any of them would materially and adversely affect our business and prospects.

We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights or keep up with that of our competitors.

We regard our intellectual property rights as highly valuable to our business strategy and intend to rely on the maximum protection provided by law to protect our rights. We have entered into and continue to use confidentiality agreements with our employees and contractors and, to the extent practicable, nondisclosure agreements with our suppliers and strategic partners in order to limit access to and disclosure of our information. We cannot be sure that these contractual arrangements or the other steps taken by us to protect our intellectual property will prove sufficient to prevent misappropriation of our technology or deter independent third-party development of similar technologies. Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights could put us at a competitive disadvantage in the future. Any such failure could have a materially adverse effect on our future business, results of operations and financial condition. We intend to defend vigorously our intellectual property against any known infringement, but such actions could involve significant legal fees, and we have no guarantee that such actions will be resolved in our favor. We also cannot be sure that any steps taken by us will be adequate to prevent misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property.

We also intend to sell and/or license our products and technology in countries worldwide, including some with limited ability to protect intellectual property of products and services sold in those countries by foreign firms. We cannot be sure that the steps taken by us will be adequate to prevent misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property in these countries.

We may not have sufficient funds and may need additional capital to protect and maintain our intellectual property rights.

Our sponsored research has resulted in an extensive portfolio of issued and pending U.S. patents, plus their foreign counterparts, which are in the names of our sponsored research partners, USC, Michigan, and Princeton. We have the exclusive commercial rights to these intellectual property rights and the obligation to maintain, defend and fund the defense of these patents. We have only generated limited revenues and expects to have limited cash flow in the near future. In the event of filing infringement lawsuits or defending any infringement suits that are filed against us, relevant expenses and fees will increase substantially and could harm our profitability. We may need to raise additional funds to protect and maintain our intellectual property rights.

If we are unable to successfully maintain or license existing patents, our ability to generate revenues could be substantially impaired.

Our business model includes licensing or sublicensing our proprietary high efficiency and OPV technologies to industry partners and customers, and we are currently entitled to the exclusive right to sub-license an extensive portfolio of issued and pending U.S. patents, plus their foreign counterparts. Our ability to be successful in the future therefore will depend on our continued efforts and success in licensing existing patents, including maintaining and prosecuting our patents properly. If we are unable to successfully maintain and license our existing patents, our ability to generate revenues could be substantially impaired and our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted.

Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all significant risk exposures.

We will be exposed to liabilities that are unique to the products we provide. While we intend to maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from risks and uncertainties of our business. It is also not possible to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. The failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage on terms favorable to us, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Risks Relating to Our Industry

Our industry has historically been cyclical and experienced periodic downturns.

Our future success partly depends on continued demand for solar PV systems in the solar energy markets, including in the United States and internationally. The solar equipment industry has historically been cyclical and has experienced periodic downturns which may affect the demand for our solar technologies. The solar industry has undergone challenging business conditions, including downward pricing pressure for PV modules, mainly as a result of overproduction, and reductions in applicable governmental subsidies, contributing to demand decreases. There is no assurance that the solar industry will not suffer significant downturns in the future, which may adversely affect demand for our solar technologies and our operations.

Existing regulations and policies and changes to these regulations and policies may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar PV products, which may significantly reduce demand for our technologies.

The market for electricity generation products is heavily influenced by foreign, federal, state and local government regulations and policies concerning the electric utility industry, utility rates, and internal policies of electric utilities. These regulations and policies often relate to electricity pricing and technical interconnection of customer-owned electricity generation. In the United States and in a number of other countries, these regulations and policies have been, and continue to be, continuously modified. The market for electric generation equipment is also influenced by trade and local content laws, regulations and policies. These regulations and policies could deter end-user purchases of PV products and investment in the research and development of PV technology. For example, without a mandated regulatory exception for PV systems, utility customers are often charged interconnection or standby fees for putting distributed power generation on the electric utility grid. If these interconnection standby fees were applicable to PV systems, it is likely that they would increase the cost to our end-users of using PV systems which could make them less desirable, thereby harming our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, electricity generated by PV systems mostly competes with expensive peak hour electricity, rather than the less expensive average price of electricity. Modifications to the peak hour pricing policies of utilities, such as to a flat rate for all times of the day, would require PV systems to achieve lower prices in order to compete with the price of electricity from other sources.

We have not yet introduced commercial products and, as such, have not commenced any governmental approval process. The applicability and extent of government approval requirements will depend on the particular end-market. Successful introduction of our products into certain markets may require significant government testing and evaluation prior to high volume procurement. We anticipate that the installation of products based on our high efficiency and OPV technologies will be subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with national and local ordinances relating to building codes, safety, environmental protection, utility interconnection and metering and related matters. It is difficult to track the requirements of individual states and design equipment to comply with the varying standards. In addition, the U.S., European Union and Chinese governments, among others, have imposed tariffs or are in the process of evaluating the imposition of tariffs on solar panels, solar cells, polysilicon, and potentially other components. These tariffs may increase the price of our solar products, which could harm our results of operations and financial condition. Any new government regulations or utility policies pertaining to our solar modules may result in significant additional expenses to us, our resellers and their customers and, as a result, could cause a significant reduction in demand for our solar modules.

The solar energy industry depends, in part, on continued support in the form of rebates, tax credits and other incentives from federal, state and local governments. An elimination or reduction of these rebates, tax credits and other incentives could negatively impact our ability to successfully introduce products and secure capital.

Federal, state and local governments currently provide tax credits, rebates, and other incentives to owners, users, and manufacturers of solar energy. Any elimination or reduction of such incentives would increase the cost of solar energy, which would negatively impact our ability to introduce products and secure necessary capital. The federal government currently provides a 30% federal tax credit (the “ITC”) for solar systems installed on residential and commercial properties under Sections 25(d) and 48(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, respectively. In December 2015, legislation was signed into law extending the 30% ITC for both residential and commercial projects through the end of 2019; after which the ITC drops to 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021 before dropping permanently to 10% for commercial projects and 0% for residential projects. Unless modified by a further change in law, the reduction of the ITC may negatively impact the demand for our solar products and our ability to obtain financing support.

Environmental obligations and liabilities could have a substantial negative impact on our business and financial condition.

The solar energy industry is subject to heavy laws, rules and regulations, some of which pertain to environmental concerns. The solar energy industry can involve the use handling, generation, processing, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials which are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations at the national, state, local, and international levels. These environmental laws and regulations include those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the use, management, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites, and occupational health and safety. As we proceed to seek to develop and commercialize its solar technologies, we and our potential license partners will have to comply with applicable environmental requirements, future developments such as more aggressive enforcement policies, the implementation of new, more stringent laws and regulations, or the discovery of presently unknown environmental conditions may require expenditures that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Competition is intense in the energy industry.

The global energy industry is presently dominated by hydrocarbon, hydroelectric and nuclear-based technologies, and therefore our solar energy-based technologies will primarily compete against the providers of these established energy sources. However, we also compete directly against large multinational corporations (including global energy suppliers and generators) and numerous small entities worldwide that are pursuing the development and commercialization of renewable and non-renewable technologies that might have performance and/or price characteristics similar or even superior to our high efficiency and OPV technologies. Most of our current competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater market presence as well as greater financial, technical, operational, marketing and other resources and experience than we do. We also expect that new competitors are likely to join existing competitors in this industry.

Our attempt to develop commercially viable technologies based on company-funded research will also encounter competition from other academic institutions and/or governmental laboratories, which are conducting or funding research in alternative technologies similar to our high efficiency and OPV technologies. These academic institutions and/or governmental laboratories likely will have financial resources substantially greater than the resources available to us. Given the foregoing competitive environment, we cannot determine at this time whether it will be successful in its development and commercialization efforts or whether such efforts, even if successful, will be commercially viable and profitable.

There is competition between manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules, as well as thin-film solar modules and solar thermal and concentrated PV systems. If global supply exceeds global demand, it could lead to a reduction in the demand and price for PV modules, which could adversely affect our business.

The solar energy and renewable energy industries are highly competitive and continually evolving as participants strive to distinguish themselves within their markets and compete with the larger electric power industry. Within the global PV industry, there is competition from crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers, other thin-film solar module manufacturers and companies developing solar thermal and concentrated PV technologies. Existing or future solar manufacturers might be acquired by larger companies with significant capital resources, thereby intensifying competition. This intensified competition can lead to a large amount of supply which can exceed the demand. Even if demand for solar modules continues to grow, the rapid manufacturing capacity expansion undertaken by many solar module manufacturers, particularly manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules, has created and may continue to cause periods of structural imbalance during which supply exceeds demand. We anticipate that competitors will continue to develop competing solar PV technologies and will attempt to commercialize these technologies. If these competing technologies present a compelling value proposition or are available to market sooner than our technologies, then our market opportunity could diminish.

Our business and financial results may be harmed as a result of increases in materials and component costs.

The cost of raw materials and key components associated with our technologies could increase in the future due to a variety of factors, including trade barriers, export regulations, regulatory or contractual limitations, industry market requirements and changes in technology and industry standards. If we are unable to adjust our cost structure in the future to deal with potential increases in costs, we may not be able to achieve profitability, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.

Developments in alternative technologies or improvements in distributed solar energy generation may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Significant developments in alternative technologies, such as advances in other forms of distributed solar PV power generation, storage solutions such as batteries, the widespread use or adoption of fuel cells for residential or commercial properties or improvements in other forms of centralized power production may have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects. Any failure by us to adopt new or enhanced technologies or processes, or to react to changes in existing technologies, could result in product obsolescence, the loss of competitiveness of our products and lack of revenues.

A drop in the retail price of conventional energy or non-solar alternative energy sources may negatively impact our profitability.

We believe that an end customer’s decision to purchase or install solar energy is primarily driven by the cost and return on investment resulting from solar energy. Fluctuations in economic and market conditions that affect the prices of conventional and non-solar alternative energy sources, such as decreases in the prices of oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels, could cause the demand for solar power systems to decline, which would have a negative impact on our business.

Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Common Stock

An investment in our common stock is extremely speculative and there can be no assurance of any return on any such investment.

An investment in our common stock is extremely speculative and there is no assurance that investors will obtain any return on their investment. Investors will be subject to substantial risks involved in an investment in our common stock, including the risk of losing their entire investment.

The market price of our common stock is subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in our quarterly operating results, general trends in the market and other factors, many of which we have little or no control over. In addition, broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, business and political conditions, may adversely affect the market for our common stock, regardless of our actual or projected performance.

Our shares are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “penny stock” rules that limit trading activity in the market, which may make it more difficult for our shareholders to sell their common stock.

Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00. Since our common stock is trading at less than $5.00 per share, we are subject to the penny stock rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission that require broker-dealers to deliver extensive disclosure to its customers prior to executing trades in penny stocks not otherwise exempt from the rules. The broker-dealer must also provide its customers with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held by the customer. Under the penny stock regulations, a broker-dealer selling a penny stock to anyone other than an established customer or accredited investor must make a special suitability determination regarding the purchaser and must receive the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to the sale, unless the broker-dealer is otherwise exempt. Generally, an individual with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000, or annual income exceeding $200,000 individually, or $300,000 together with his or her spouse, is considered an accredited investor. The additional burdens from the penny stock requirements may deter broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our securities, which could limit the liquidity and market price of our securities. These disclosure requirements may cause a reduction in the trading activity of our common stock, which likely would make it difficult for our stockholders to resell their securities.

We will continue to incur significant costs to ensure compliance with corporate governance and accounting requirements.

We will continue to incur significant costs associated with our public company reporting requirements, costs associated with applicable corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expect all of these applicable rules and regulations will result in significant legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time consuming and costly. We also expect that these applicable rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs. 

If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or to prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.

Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. We currently do not have an audit committee. As a result, our small size and any current internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operation and access to capital. We have not performed an in-depth analysis to determine if historical un-discovered failures of internal controls exist and may in the future discover areas of our internal control that need improvement. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed.

In order to raise sufficient funds to expand our operations, we may have to issue additional securities at prices which may result in substantial dilution to our shareholders.

As we raise additional funds through the sale of equity or convertible debt, our current stockholders’ percentage ownership will be reduced. In addition, these transactions may dilute the value of our securities outstanding. We may have to issue securities that may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to raise additional funds on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If future financing is not available or is not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to fund our future needs, which would have a material adverse effect on our business plans, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

Our shareholders’ percentage of ownership may become diluted upon conversion of our convertible promissory notes, upon the exercise of currently outstanding warrants, or upon the issuance of new shares of stock or other securities, including issuances to consultants as compensation.

As of December 31, 2019, there were outstanding warrants to purchase 76,890,018 shares of our common stock. Furthermore, as of December 31, 2019, outstanding warrants to purchase a total of 6,608,330 shares of our common stock had and continue as of the date of this report to have anti-dilution provisions and the exercise price of such warrants will be automatically reduced to a lower price if we issue securities in a subsequent offering at a price which is less than each such warrant’s then-effective exercise price.

In addition, as of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding options to purchase 300,000 shares of our common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $0.52 per share, and convertible notes outstanding in the aggregate amount of $7.5 million, with a conversion prices ranging from $0.10 to $0.25 per share.

We may enter into additional agreements with independent contractors, consultants, and other unaffiliated third parties for services and compensation which may be payable in equity. The conversion of outstanding debt, the exercise of outstanding warrants, and the issuance of new securities could result in significant dilution to existing stockholders. Additionally, securities issued in connection with future financing activities or any potential acquisitions could have preferences and rights senior to the rights of common stock.

We are not likely to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

We currently intend to retain any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Accordingly, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future but will review this policy as circumstances dictate.

There has been a limited trading market for our common stock and an active trading market for our common stock may not ever develop which may impair your ability to sell your shares

Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB Marketplace (“OTCQB”), under the symbol “OPVS”. The OTCQB is an electronic quotation system that displays real-time quotes, last-sale prices, and volume information for many over the counter securities that are not listed on a national securities exchange. Trading volume for our common stock has been limited and OTCQB quotations for our common stock price may not represent the true market value of our common stock. There is a limited trading market for our common stock in the over-the-counter market. The lack of an active market will impair your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable. The lack of an active market will also reduce the fair market value of your shares. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares of capital stock and may impair our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using common stock as consideration.

For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.

In April 2012, President Obama signed into law the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”). The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for “emerging growth companies,” including certain requirements relating to accounting standards and compensation disclosure. We are classified as an emerging growth company. For as long as we are an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years, unlike other public companies, we will not be required to, among other things, (1) provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, (2) comply with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”), requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer, (3) comply with any new audit rules adopted by the PCAOB after April 5, 2012 unless the Securities and Exchange Commission determines otherwise, (4) provide certain disclosure regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies or (5) hold shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation.

Further, our independent registered public accounting firm is not yet required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and will not be required to do so for as long as we are an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the provisions of the JOBS Act.

Under the JOBS Act, we have elected to use an extended period for complying with new or revised accounting standards.

We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, which allows us to delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.

If equity research analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue unfavorable commentary or downgrade our common stock, the market price of our common stock and warrants will likely decline.

The trading market for our common stock and warrants will rely in part on the research and reports that equity research analysts, over whom we have no control, publish about us and our business. We may never obtain research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our Company, the market price for our common stock and warrants could decline. In the event we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage, the market price of our common stock and warrants could decline if one or more equity analysts downgrade our common stock or if those analysts issue unfavorable commentary, even if it is inaccurate, or cease publishing reports about us or our business.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company’s executive offices are currently located at 15333 N. Pima Rd., Suite 305, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. The Company began leasing its offices on December 1, 2018 on a month to month basis. The office space is approximately 370 square feet. The monthly rent expense is approximately $3000. The Company rents lab and office space for research and development at a facility located at 600 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48103. The monthly rent expense is $4,850. We also rented office space at 3820 Packard Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 for $1,194 a month through the end of 2019. We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the immediate future, and that should it be needed, we will be able to secure additional space to accommodate any such expansion of our operations.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.  

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock commenced trading on the OTCQB Marketplace (the “OTCQB”) operated by OTC Market Group, Inc. on July 14, 2015 under the symbol “OPVS”. Trading in stocks quoted on the OTCQB is often thin and is characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices due to many factors that may have little to do with a company’s operations.

OTCQB securities are not listed or traded on the floor of an organized national or regional stock exchange. Instead OTCQB securities transactions are conducted through a telephone and computer network connecting dealers in stock.

Common Stock

As of the date of this Report, the Company had 240,250,022 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding. The Company’s Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of our common stock that are present in person or represented by proxy, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any Preferred Stock. Holders of the Company’s Common Stock representing fifty percent (50%) of the Company’s capital stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, are necessary to constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Company’s stockholders. The Company’s Articles of Incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors. 

Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock created by the Company’s Board of Directors from time to time, the holders of shares of the Company’s Common Stock will be entitled to such cash dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors from funds available, therefore.

Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock created from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of the Company’s common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata all assets available for distribution to such holders.

Holders of the Company’s common stock have no preemptive rights, no conversion rights and there are no redemption provisions applicable to our common stock.

Holders

We had 694 record holders of our common stock, par value $.0001, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019. 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

VStock Transfer, LLC at 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598 is the registrar and transfer agent for our common stock. Their telephone number is (212) 828-8436.

Warrants

There were outstanding warrants to purchase a total of 76,890,018 shares of our common stock as of December 31, 2019. 74,390,018 warrants are exercisable at any time and from time to time as provided in the warrant. The exercise prices of the outstanding warrants range from $0.10 to $17.50 per share.

Options

There were options to purchase a total of 300,000 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019. The exercise prices of the outstanding options range from $0.50 to $0.62 per share.

Penny Stock Regulations

The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. Our Common Stock, when and if a trading market develops, may fall within the definition of penny stock and be subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1,000,000, or annual incomes exceeding $200,000 individually, or $300,000, together with their spouse).

For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and have received the purchaser’s prior written consent to the transaction. Additionally, for any transaction, other than exempt transactions, involving a penny stock, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer must also make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. In addition, the broker-dealer must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, the “penny stock” rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our Common Stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their Common Stock in the secondary market.

In addition to the “penny stock” rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. The FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit the investors’ ability to buy and sell our stock.

Dividend Policy

Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of dividends on shares of our Common Stock will be made at the discretion of our board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. We are under no contractual obligations or restrictions to declare or pay dividends on our shares of Common Stock. In addition, we currently have no plans to pay such dividends. Our board of directors currently intends to retain all earnings for use in the business for the foreseeable future.

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

On September 24, 2013 the directors of the Company unanimously approved the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) under which the Company has reserved a number of shares of its Common Stock equal to 10% of the Company’s fully diluted Common Stock for awards under the Plan of any stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock, performance share, or other stock-based award or performance-based cash awards under the Plan.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

Private Placement of the Company’s Notes

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company entered into various note and share purchase agreements with related parties pursuant to which the related parties purchased convertible notes in the aggregate amount of $4,554,462, along with additional shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued upon maturity.  Total cash of $1,657,001 was received and $69,206 was accrued interest rolled into principal. Additionally, $60,000 of related party advances were modified into a convertible note and were included in the related party convertible debt amount at December 31, 2019. The notes expire on the 90-day anniversary of the issuance date and accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum. The maturity dates on the outstanding notes range from January to March 2020. On the maturity date, whether or not the notes are converted, the investors shall receive shares of the Company’s common stock with a value worth 50% of the note’s principal amounts. In addition, the shareholder shall have the right to convert all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid principal and interest of the note into securities being sold by the Company on or after the maturity date.  The Company may not prepay the notes prior to the maturity dates. 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $2,030,070, net of original issue discounts and fees of $353,030 under short-term convertible notes payable. The outstanding convertible notes of the Company are unsecured, bear interest between 8% and 12% per annum and mature between May 2020 and October 2020. Certain of these notes are convertible at fixed rates ranging from $0.25 - $0.50 per share for the first 180 days. After 180 days or upon default, the conversion rates become variable with prices ranging from 55% - 61% of the lowest sale price of the common stock during the 15 to 25 consecutive trading days prior to the date of conversion.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company entered into various note and share purchase agreements with accredited investors pursuant to which the investors purchased convertible notes in the aggregate of $11,522,134, along with additional shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued upon maturity. In addition, existing promissory and convertible notes totaling $1,777,250 were modified into these note and share purchase agreements. Also, $6,449,743 of convertible notes that matured including $161,243 accrued interest were rolled into another bridge note rather than converted. The notes expire on the 90-day anniversary of the issuance date and accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum. The maturity dates on the outstanding notes range from January to March 2020. On the maturity date, whether or not the notes are converted, the investors shall receive shares of the Company’s common stock with a value worth 50% of the note’s principal amounts. In addition, the investors shall have the right to convert all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid principal and interest of the note into securities being sold by the Company on or after the maturity date.  The Company may not prepay the notes prior to the maturity dates. 

The above issuances of the Company’s securities were not registered under the 1933 Act, and the Company relied on an exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), for such issuances.

Issuance of Promissory Notes and Warrants

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company borrowed $45,000 under non-convertible notes payable from an investor. This note had 0% interest and no maturity date.

The above issuances of the Company’s securities were not registered under the 1933 Act, and the Company relied on an exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), for such issuances.

Issuance of Common Stock and Warrants

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued 71,053,173 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to certain debt agreements, related to the maturity of various convertible notes totaling $14,210,635. See the convertible debt section in Note 5 for more details.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued 480,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to certain note holders in exchange for accrued interest of $48,000. The fair value of the common stock was determined to be $27,216 and resulted in a gain on settlement of accrued interest of $20,784.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company entered into a three modification agreements with an investor pursuant to which the investor agreed to extend the maturity date of a convertible note in exchange for the issuance of one million shares of the Company’s common stock on March 1, 2019, and the first day of each month through February 1, 2020. The Company will fair value the shares on the issuance date and record it as loss on extinguishment of debt. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued a total of 10,000,500 shares of common stock and recorded a loss of $898,350.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repaid a $100,000 advance to an investor and issued 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company fair valued the stock and recorded $8,500 as loss on extinguishment of debt.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 540,000 shares of its common stock related to the conversion of $50,000 of principal and $4,000 accrued interest expense on convertible notes.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued 100,000 shares of common stock to an investor with the repayment of advances. The Company fair valued the stock at $11,400 and recorded as loss on extinguishment of debt.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, an aggregate of 3,300,000 warrants were exercised cashlessly resulting in the issuance of 2,200,000 common shares.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, an aggregate of 1,996,843 warrants were modified to reduce the exercise price to $0.10 per share pursuant to a debt modification and exercised resulting in a total issuance of 1,996,843 common shares. Rather than receiving cash proceeds of $199,684, the Company netted this amount against convertible note payoffs totaling $246,500. The remaining $46,816 owed to two noteholders was paid by the issuance of 47 shares of Preferred Stock.

On February 5, 2019, the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of its Common Stock to three of its employees as a bonus in exchange for services to be provided to the Company. The warrants have a 10-year term, a $0.10 exercise price and will vest 25% annually for 4 years beginning on the first anniversary date.  The aggregate fair value of the warrants was determined to be $129,906 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Warrant expense of $62,021 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019.

On June 1, 2019, the Company issued warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to a letter agreement in exchange for services. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.50 and a 5-year term. The warrants vest equally over six months beginning June 1, 2019. The fair value of the warrants was determined to be $1,924 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Warrant expense of $1,924 was expensed during the year ended December 31, 2019.

The above issuances of the Company’s securities were not registered under 1933 Act, and the Company relied on an exemption from registration provided by Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the 1933 Act for such issuances.

Issuance of Preferred Stock

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 4,939 shares of its preferred stock related to the conversion of $4,792,951 of debt and $125,287 of interest expense.

The above issuances of the Company’s securities were not registered under the 1933 Act, and the Company relied on an exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act for such issuances.

Except as disclosed above, all unregistered sales of the Company’s securities have been disclosed on the Company’s current reports on Form 8-K and the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Registrant and Affiliated Purchasers

We have not repurchased any shares of our common stock during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Disclosure in response to this item is not required of a smaller reporting company.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Report.

Certain statements in this Report constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, regarding, among other things, (a) our projected revenue, profitability, and cash flows, (b) our growth strategy, (c) anticipated trends in our industry, (d) our future financing plans, and (e) our anticipated needs for, and use of, working capital. They are generally identifiable by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “management believes,” “we believe,” “we intend,” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this filing will in fact occur. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The “Company”, “we,” “us,” and “our,” refer to (i) NanoFlex Power Corporation and (ii) Global Photonic Energy Corporation.

Overview

NanoFlex Power Corporation is engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of advanced photovoltaic technologies that enable thin film solar products with what the Company believes can be industry-leading efficiencies, light weight, flexibility, and low total system cost. The Company’s sponsored research programs at the University of Southern California (“USC”), the University of Michigan (“Michigan”), and Princeton University (“Princeton”) have resulted in an extensive portfolio of issued and pending patents worldwide covering flexible, thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Pursuant to the Company’s license agreement with our university research partners, they have obtained the exclusive worldwide license and right to sublicense any and all intellectual property which resulted from sponsored research programs with the universities. While each patent is issued in the name of the respective university that developed the subject technology, the Company has exclusive commercial license rights to all of the patents and their attendant technologies, and the patents are referred to herein as being the Company’s patents.

These patented and patent-pending technologies fall into two general categories – (1) cost reducing and performance-enhancing fabrication processes and device architectures for ultra-high efficiency Gallium Arsenide (“GaAs”)-based solar thin films and (2) organic photovoltaic (“OPV”) materials, architectures, and fabrication processes for low cost, ultra-thin solar films offering high quality aesthetics, such as semi-transparency and tinting, and highly flexible form factors. The technologies are targeted at certain broad applications that require high power conversion efficiency, flexibility, and light weight. These applications include: (a) mobile and off-grid solar power generation, (b) BAPV, (c) BIPV, (d) space vehicles and UAVs, (e) semi-transparent solar power generating glazing or windows, (f) ultra-thin solar films for automobiles or other consumer applications and sensors and other devices for the Internet of Things (“IoT”). The Company believes these technologies have been demonstrated in a laboratory environment with our research partners.

The Company currently holds exclusive rights to an extensive portfolio of issued and pending U.S. patents, plus their foreign counterparts, which cover architecture, processes and materials for flexible, thin-film organic photovoltaic (“OPV”) and Gallium Arsenide (“GaAs”)-based solar technologies. In addition, we have an extensive collection of patents in process. Some of our technology holdings include foundational concepts in the following areas.

Plan of Operation and Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overall Operating Plan

Our business model is now shifting to focus on developing, manufacturing and marketing complete NanoFlex products which have a competitive advantage due to our intellectual property. NanoFlex has developed energy harvesting internet of things (IoT) complete sensor systems that utilize both our Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) and, in the future, our III-V semiconductor non-destructive lift off (ND ELO) intellectual property. These sensor systems are totally wireless with higher energy budgets for their size than any other cloud connecting wireless sensors. This high energy harvesting capability (indoor and outdoor) will enable completely wireless, “place and forget” sensor systems for many vertical IoT sensor markets to include agriculture, ecology, building automation, medical, energy infrastructure, military, wearables, and other applications. Nanoflex will launch its first line of energy harvesting sensors in 2020. NanoFlex will manufacture and market these IoT sensors direct to customers and with partners. We expect to work with well-positioned commercial partners who can support manufacturing and marketing capabilities to enable rapid commercial growth.

In addition to the wireless IoT sensors NanoFlex has received support from the DOE to develop building integrated OPV. On May 20, 2019 the Company and its development partner, True Metal Solutions (TMS) were awarded an SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) Phase 1 grant for $200,000. The overall scope of the program is to design, develop, manufacture, and market the first U.S building integrated organic solar modules for building facades. Our company brings with it 20+ years of critical intellectual property development on thin film organic solar cells and combined with TMS’ leadership in designing and manufacturing building facade technology, we together will drive towards the first U.S. building integrated organic solar modules. With the anticipated award of Phase II ~ ($1.0M) in 2020 our team will complete the overall system design and scale this technology to assemble demonstration façade systems on buildings in the Phoenix area where our subcontractor already has the architectural, building owner, and general contractor relationships.

To support this work, our OPV and III-V solar engineering team operates out of our development and prototyping center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We are enhancing and expanding this development facility with the support of the recently won phase I DOE funding. OPV modules to support both our sensor systems and building integrated designs will be manufactured in NanoFlex manufacturing facility planned for construction in the 2020- 2021 timeframe in Arizona. NanoFlex is completing the IoT electronics hardware and software designs and expects to outsource the system assembly and packaging to contract assemblers. NanoFlex will sell and market its IoT sensors under a new brand name and through an enhanced website.

We are also pursuing sponsored development funding to generate revenue in the near-term as well as subsidize our product development with non-dilutive financing. In connection with our focus on potential government-sponsored research projects, on June 19, 2017, the Company announced that that it is part of a consortium that was awarded a $6.3 million contract from the Army Research Laboratory’s Army Research Office to develop high power, flexible, and lightweight solar panels for portable power applications. The consortium consists of NanoFlex, SolAero, the University of Michigan, and the University of Wisconsin. Pursuant to the foregoing and as part of the consortium, SolAero was awarded a 4-year contract amounting to $6.3 million with the Army Research Lab (ARL) to develop solar power mats. SolAero has engaged the Company as a subcontractor for $3.3 million over 4 years of which $1.6 million will be provided to the University of Michigan as a subcontractor to the Company. The Company’s contract with SolAero provides for direct reimbursement of the Company’s costs, including indirect overhead. On February 1, 2019 we were informed by SolAero that the Army had suspended funding to support other priorities but kept the contract in place with the intention of refunding and proceeding ahead with the program. The Company was reimbursed for all costs incurred through that date.

Having an established technical team enables us to more effectively pursue and execute sponsored research projects from the Department of Defense (“DoD”), the Department of Energy (“DOE”), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”), each of which has interests in businesses that can deliver ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency solar technologies for demanding applications. However, there can be no assurance that the Company can effectively pursue such research projects, nor if it can, that such pursuit will be successful.

As reported in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 7, 2017, on February 2, 2017, the Company entered into a License Agreement with SolAero Technologies Corp. (“SolAero”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to grant SolAero a non-exclusive worldwide license to use, sell, offer for sale, import or otherwise dispose of certain products (the “Licensed Products”) using the Company’s patented proprietary manufacturing processes relating to Gallium Arsenide-based photovoltaic cells (the “Licensed Patents”) within the space and near-space fields of use (the “License Field”). SolAero is to pay the Company a royalty based on sales of the Licensed Products within the Licensed Field. The agreement does not provide SolAero with the right to sublicense the Licensed Patents. The term of the agreement runs from February 2, 2017 through the expiration date of the last expiring patent included in the Licensed Technology. However, each party may terminate the agreement upon a material breach by the other party. On February 1, 2019 this agreement was terminated along with the ARL contract suspension. 

There can be no assurance that our overall term operating plan will be successful or that the capital needed to fulfill it can be raised.

Results of Operations

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Revenue

Revenue was $293,278 and $905,443 for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Revenue through January 31, 2019 relates to engineering services provided under the ARL contract. On February 1, 2019 we were informed by SolAero that Mantech had terminated the contract as provided for in the agreement. Revenue for the third and fourth quarter of 2019 relates to the engineering services provided under the SBIR contract.

We do not believe that inflation or changing prices have had a material effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Cost of Services

Cost of services was $259,203 and $905,443 for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease was due to less spending on the ARL contract during the 2019 period due to the termination of the contract. 

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses were $1,537,576 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 64% increase from $936,789 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase is attributable to increased costs in building prototypes and developing applications for our commercialization efforts.

Patent Application and Prosecution Fees

Patent application and prosecution fees consist of the fees due for prosecuting and maintaining the patents resulting from the research program sponsored by the Company and were $1,037,459 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 15% decrease from $1,225,912 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The year-over-year decrease is attributable to the timing of application and prosecution of patents and the result of decreased patent activity by our engineering team in commercializing and developing our technologies.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,027,740 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 48% decrease from $1,985,388 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease is primarily attributable to a reduction in non-cash expenses associated with warrants issued to employees during the year of $790,667.

Other Expense

Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $9,953,496 as compared to $13,428,682 for the year ended December 31, 2018.  These changes are primarily due to a decrease of loss on extinguishment of debt, offset by an increase in interest expense.

Net Loss

The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $13,522,196, a 23% increase from $17,576,771 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in net loss is primarily related to non-cash expenses, including interest expense and loss on extinguishment of debt, and changes in research and development, each of which is described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

As of December 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $229,554 and a working capital deficit of $13,819,381, as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $27,213 and a working capital deficit of $11,991,857 as of December 31, 2018. The increase in working capital is attributable to an increase in accounts payable and a share issuance obligation in 2018.

The Company needs to raise additional capital and is in the process of raising additional funds in order to continue to finance our research and development, service existing liabilities and commercialize photonic energy conversion technologies utilizing organic and GaAs semiconductor-based solar cells. In the next 12 months, the Company needs to raise approximately $13 million in additional capital in order to continue our operations as described above and support our corporate functions. We anticipate that the additional funding can result from private sales of our equity securities. However, there can be no assurance that the additional funds will be available to us when needed, or if available, on terms that will be acceptable to us or our shareholders. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds, the Company may have to cease its operations.

Analysis of Cash Flows

Net cash used in operating activities increased by $613,407 to $4,229,169 for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $3,615,762 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the increased net loss, an increase in amortization of debt discounts offset by non-cash charges for decreases in the loss on extinguishment of debt and the loss on induced conversion of debt.

Net cash used in investing activities was $116,010 and $248,956 during the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively. This amount represents purchases of property and equipment.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $4,547,520 and $3,830,472 during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019, this includes borrowings on convertible and non-convertible debt of $7,099,521, offset by repayments on convertible and non-convertible debt of $2,552,001. For the year ended December 31, 2018, this includes proceeds from sale of common shares and warrants of $723,780, proceeds from exercise of warrants of $1,084,536, borrowings on convertible and non-convertible debt of $4,075,960, offset by repayments on convertible and non-convertible debt of $2,053,804.

Going Concern

The Company has only generated limited revenues to date. The Company has a working capital deficit of $13,819,381 and an accumulated deficit of $247,644,087 as of December 31, 2019. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on raising capital to fund ongoing operations and carry out its business plan and ultimately to attain profitable operations. Accordingly, these factors raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts of and classification of liabilities that might be necessary in the event the Company cannot continue in existence.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported assets and liabilities, expenses, and other financial information. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates under other assumptions and conditions. We believe that our accounting policies related to revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, research and development, impairment of long-lived assets, research and development and property plant and equipment as described below, are our “critical accounting policies” as contemplated by the SEC.

Basis of Accounting

The Company’ policy is to maintain its books and prepare its consolidated financial statements on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of combined financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the combined financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Revenue Recognition

Adoption of ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic 605.

There was no impact to the opening balance of accumulated deficit or revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of applying Topic 606.

The Company applies a five-step approach in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identifying the contract with a customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognizing revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is recognized at the time control of the products transfers to the customer. 

The Company primarily generates revenue by providing R&D engineering services, primarily through its ARL contract and SBIR government grant. R&D engineering services is a core component of the Company’s operations and business model, since they are a necessary prerequisite to obtaining intellectual property licensing agreements with customers. As such, R&D engineering services are expected to be a sustained revenue stream for the Company as it works with additional customers and the services constitute a portion of the Company’s ongoing central operations. The Company has identified the promise to provide engineering services as its performance obligation, which is satisfied over time. The Company has a right to consideration from its customer an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company’s performance completed to date. As allowed by a practical expedient in Topic 606, the entity recognizes revenue in the amount to which the entity has a right to invoice. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant.

Due to the fact that the client only has one type of service and only a few customers, disaggregation is deemed unnecessary.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718 which requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant-date fair value of the award. For stock-based awards granted on or after January 1, 2006, stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. In prior years, we accounted for stock-based awards under APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed in the period they are incurred in accordance with ASC 730, Research and Development unless they meet specific criteria related to technical, market and financial feasibility, as determined by management, including but not limited to the establishment of a clearly defined future market for the product, and the availability of adequate resources to complete the project. If all criteria are met, the costs are deferred and amortized over the expected useful life or written off if a product is abandoned. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no deferred development costs.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the historical-cost carrying value of an asset may no longer be appropriate. The Company assesses recoverability of the asset by comparing the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result from the asset to its’ carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flows of the asset, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the long-lived asset. Fair value is estimated based upon either discounted cash flow analysis or estimated salvage value.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes at rates based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives range from three to eight years.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements:

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “special purpose entities” (SPEs).

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Disclosure in response to this item is not required of a smaller reporting company.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Company’s consolidated financial statements, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm thereon and the notes thereto, are presented beginning at page F-1. The Company’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for the years then ended have been audited by MaloneBailey, LLP. MaloneBailey, LLP is an independent registered public accounting firm. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and pursuant to Regulation S-K as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are included herein pursuant to Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosures Control and Procedures

Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and includes those policies and procedures that:

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of the inherent limitations of internal control, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

As of December 31, 2019, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (“2013”) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and SEC guidance on conducting such assessments. Based on that evaluation, they concluded that, during the period covered by this report, such internal controls and procedures were not effective to detect the inappropriate application of US GAAP rules as more fully described below. This was due to deficiencies that existed in the design or operation of our internal controls over financial reporting that adversely affected our internal controls and that may be considered to be material weaknesses.

The matters involving internal controls and procedures that our management considered to be material weaknesses were:

(1) The Company’s board of directors has no audit committee, or independent director with financial expertise, which causes ineffective oversight of the Company’s external financial reporting and internal control over financial reporting;

(2) We do not have sufficient segregation of duties within accounting functions, which is a basic internal control. Due to our size and nature, segregation of all conflicting duties may not always be possible and may not be economically feasible. However, to the extent possible, the initiation of transactions, the custody of assets and the recording of transactions should be performed by separate individuals. Management evaluated the impact of our failure to have segregation of duties on our assessment of our disclosure controls and procedures and has concluded that the control deficiency that resulted represented a material weakness;

The aforementioned material weaknesses were identified by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in connection with the review of our financial statements as of December 31, 2019.

Management’s Remediation Initiatives

In an effort to remediate the identified material weaknesses and other deficiencies and enhance our internal controls, we have initiated, or plan to initiate, the following series of measures:

(1) We plan to create a position or positions to segregate duties consistent with control objectives and increased our personnel resources and technical accounting expertise within the accounting function when funds are available to us.

(2) We plan to appoint one or more outside directors to our board of directors who shall be appointed to an audit committee resulting in a fully functioning audit committee who will undertake the oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures such as reviewing and approving estimates and assumptions made by management when funds are available to us.

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting

There have been no other significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls subsequent to the period covered by this report.

Further, subsequent to the period covered by the report, management plans to implement measures to remediate the material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting described above to the extent sufficient capital is available to do so. Specifically, the CEO and CFO are seeking to improve communications regarding the importance of documentation of their assessments and conclusions of their meetings, as well as supporting analyses. As the business increases, the Company is seeking to hire accounting professionals and it will continue its efforts to create an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures for financial reporting.

The Company is not required by current SEC rules to include, and does not include, an auditor’s attestation report. The Company’s registered public accounting firm has not attested to Management’s reports on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None. 

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The following table sets forth the name and position of each of our current executive officers and directors. All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their respective successors are elected, except in the case of death, resignation or removal. In June 2015, Norman Allen was appointed as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer. Ron DaVella served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer from May 18, 2017 through March 31, 2019.

Dean L. Ledger, age 71, has served as a Director and senior executive of GPEC since its inception and was instrumental in its founding. Mr. Ledger is GPEC’s Chief Executive Officer and was elected as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company on September 24, 2013. On February 6, 2015, Mr. Ledger replaced Ms. Amy B. Kornafel as our Chief Financial Officer and remained as our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ledger has significant experience in capital formation and business building as he played instrumental roles in both Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ: OLED) and InterDigital Corporation (NASDAQ: IDCC) from their inception. From 1994 to 2012, Mr. Ledger served as Executive Vice President-Corporate Development of Universal Display Corporation. From July 1994 to January 2001, Mr. Ledger served as a member of the Board of Directors of Universal Display Corporation. From December 2001 to July 2003, Mr. Ledger served as a member of the Board of Directors of North American Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NATK). From May 1991 until October 1992, Mr. Ledger was a consultant to the IntelCom Group. Mr. Ledger served as a consultant to InterDigital Communications Corporation from October 1989 to April 1991. Prior to October 1989, Mr. Ledger spent 12 years as a financial consultant with E.F. Hutton, Shearson Lehman Brothers and Paine Webber. He is a graduate of Colorado College (B.A., Business Administration, 1972). The Board concluded that Mr. Ledger should serve as a Director of the Company based on his extensive experience and knowledge of the history of our Company and of all of its related technologies. Furthermore, he has a proven track record in leveraging information technology to capture new commercial opportunities and to increase operational efficiencies in various industries. 

Norman Allen, age 68, has served as NanoFlex’s Chief Technology Officer since June 2015. He is also currently an Operating Partner of Potomac Energy Fund where he advises investors on screening startup investment opportunities and start-up companies on how to bring new energy generating and energy storage products to market. From 2007 to 2010, Mr. Allen was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Solidia Technologies. Mr. Allen co-founded Solidia with Dr. Richard Riman of Rutgers University. Solidia was funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and is developing revolutionary ceramics materials that can replace concrete and other ceramics while consuming carbon dioxide as a feedstock. From 2006 to 2007, Mr. Allen was the President of Power Strategies, LLC where he consulted for Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers on alternative energy investments with a specific focus on advanced batteries, fuel cells, solar cells and supercapacitors. From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Allen was the founder and Chief Operating Officer of UltraCell Inc. There, Mr. Allen created the business plan, invested, and completed Series A and B financing rounds for the reformed methanol micro fuel cell company. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Allen was the Founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer of PowerSmart Inc., where Mr. Allen led the effort to acquire Duracell’s smart battery technology and developed industry leading integrated circuits for smart batteries and patented sensors for large battery arrays. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Allen was the President of the New Products and Technology Division of Duracell Inc. Mr. Allen was on Duracell’s Operating Committee and headed up all research and development, Rechargeable and Global OEM Sales. There, Mr. Allen oversaw 400 people as well as $108,000,000 in sales, and additionally oversaw the research center and two manufacturing plants. From 1984 to 1995, Mr. Allen was the Vice President of New Products and Technology at Duracell Inc., where he had responsibility for sales and Marketing to all original equipment manufacturers in the U.S. and Japan inclusive of all battery and flashlight product lines. From 1977 to 1984, Mr. Allen worked in the GM Activair Division of Gould Inc., and from 1972 to 1975, Mr. Allen was a Product Design Engineer in the Product Development Group at Ford Motor Co. Mr. Allen received his BSE in Science Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1972 and an MBA in Finance and Marketing, with Distinction Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary from the University of Michigan in 1976.

Board Committees

We do not have a standing nominating, compensation or audit committee. Rather, our full board of directors performs the functions of these committees. Also, we do not have an “audit committee financial expert” on our board of directors as that term is defined by Item 401(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. We do not believe it is necessary for our board of directors to appoint such committees because the volume of matters that come before our board of directors for consideration permits the directors to give sufficient time and attention to such matters to be involved in all decision making. Additionally, because our Common Stock is not listed for trading or quotation on a national securities exchange, we are not required to have such committees.

Director Independence

Our securities are not listed on a national securities exchange or in an inter-dealer quotation system which has requirements that directors be independent. We believe that none of our directors would be considered independent, as that term is defined in the listing standards of NASDAQ.

Meetings of the Board of Directors

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Board of Directors did not meet and instead transacted business by unanimous written consent on a total of 19 and 29 occasions, respectively. 

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Our Board recognizes that the leadership structure and combination or separation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman roles is driven by the needs of the Company at any point in time. Currently, Mr. Dean L. Ledger serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Board of Directors of the Company. We have no policy requiring the combination or separation of leadership roles and our governing documents do not mandate a particular structure. This has allowed, and will continue to allow, our Board the flexibility to establish the most appropriate structure for our company at any given time. 

Code of Ethics

On January 28, 2013, we adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which is applicable to our employees and which also includes a Code of Ethics for our CEO and principal financial officer and persons performing similar functions. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed March 15, 2013. A code of ethics is a written standard designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

We do not yet have a class of equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Therefore, compliance with Section 16(a) thereof by our officers and directors is not required.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth information concerning compensation earned for services rendered to NanoFlex during each of the last two years by our Chief Executive Officer and the other highly compensated executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer who were serving as executive officers at the end of 2019 and 2018.

Employment Agreements

Employment Agreements with Current Executives

On September 24, 2013, the Company and Dean L. Ledger entered into an Employment Agreement, as amended and restated on October 1, 2013, pursuant to which commencing October 1, 2013 Mr. Ledger is being employed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company for a term of five years. The initial five-year term of employment automatically shall be extended for additional one-year periods unless within 60 days prior to the end of the term a party gives written notice to the other of its decision not to renew the term. Under the agreement, Mr. Ledger is entitled to compensation consisting of $400,000 per year for base salary (plus annual cost of living increases of 3% per year), an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of the Directors and other benefits such as family health and dental insurance coverage and eligibility to participate in profit-sharing, 401K, stock option, bonus and performance award plans that are generally made available to executive officers of the Company. In October 2014, the Company and Mr. Ledger agreed to limit Mr. Ledger’s annual salary to $300,000 for the year of 2014. At year-end 2014, Mr. Ledger received $166,667 of his annual salary and deferred the balance of $133,333 until such time as the Board of Directors of the Company determined that the Company had sufficient funds to pay such deferred compensation. On February 5, 2015, Mr. Ledger agreed to defer a portion of his annual salary in excess of $210,000 until such time as the Board of Directors of the Company determined that the Company had sufficient funds to pay such deferred compensation. On May 8, 2015, Mr. Ledger executed an amendment to his employment agreement in which he agreed to permanently reduce his salary to $210,000 which reduction was effective retroactively to January 1, 2015. Further, on November 5, 2015, the Company agreed to issue warrants to Mr. Ledger to purchase 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for Mr. Ledger previously agreeing to forego a portion of his salary. On November 28, 2018, the exercise price of the warrants was reduced to $0.10 pursuant to the Board of Director’s consent. On October 21, 2016, Mr. Ledger executed a second amendment to his employment agreement pursuant to which a clause was added thereto stating that if the Company raises not less than $6,000,000 in funds from sales of its securities subsequent to the amendment, then Mr. Ledger’s base salary would increase from $210,000 to $240,000, and Mr. Ledger’s severance upon the termination of Mr. Ledger in connection with a change of control transaction was reduced to six (6) months.

On June 19, 2015, the Company appointed Norman Allen of Power Strategies, LLC, as its Chief Technology Officer. It was agreed that Norman Allen will serve in his capacity as Chief Technology Officer as an independent contractor and that no employment relationship is formed between him and the Company. On November 4, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to the Independent Contractor Agreement with Mr. Allen pursuant to which he is to be issued warrants to purchase 2,400,00 shares of the Company’s common stock at $1.00 per share. The warrants have anti-dilution protection and are currently exercisable at $.10 per share. 1,200,000 of the warrants vested on November 4, 2015, an additional 600,000 warrants vested on the first anniversary date of the amendment, and an additional 600,000 warrants will vest on the second anniversary date of the amendment. On October 21, 2016, the Company entered into a second amendment to the Independent Contractor Agreement with Mr. Allen. The second amendment added in a clause stating that if the Company raises not less than $6,000,000 in funds from sales of its securities subsequent to the amendment, then the cash compensation under the Independent Contractor Agreement would be amended from a $1,500 daily fee to a $15,000 monthly fee.

Compensation Committee Report

As set forth above, the Company does not have a compensation committee. Accordingly, the Company’s entire board of directors, which consists solely of Dean Ledger, performs the functions of a compensation committee. No officer or employee of the Company participated in deliberations of the board concerning executive compensation. Mr. Ledger has not discussed the compensation paid, awarded to or earned by any named executive officer with management or any other parties and makes all decisions regarding compensation to executive officers. Further, we do not believe it is necessary for our board of directors to appoint a compensation committee at this time because the volume of executive compensation matters that come before our board of directors for consideration permits our directors to give sufficient time and attention to such matters.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table reflects the unexercised options, stock that has not vested and equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer outstanding as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plan

There were no unexercised options, stock that has not vested or equity incentive plan awards under the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan for any named executive officer outstanding as of December 31, 2019.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

On September 24, 2013 the directors of the Company unanimously approved the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) under which the Company has reserved a number of shares of its Common Stock equal to 10% of the Company’s fully diluted Common Stock for awards under the Plan of any stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock, performance share, or other stock-based award or performance-based cash awards under the Plan.

Director Compensation

The following table sets forth the compensation paid to our directors (other than those to the executive officers which have been disclosed in earlier this Section) during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table provides the names and addresses of each person known to us to own more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of the date of this report, and by the officers and directors, individually and as a group immediately. Except as otherwise indicated, all shares are owned directly, and the shareholders listed possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.

* Except as otherwise indicated, the persons named in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Our policy is that a contract or transaction either between the Company and a director, or between a director and another company in which he is financially interested is not necessarily void or voidable if the relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the Board of Directors and the stockholders are entitled to vote on the issue, or if it is fair and reasonable to our company.

In March 2018, the Company borrowed $300,000 pursuant to a verbal agreement with Mr. Ronald Foster, a major shareholder. The note accrues interest at 8% per year payable in stock the first two years and in cash or stock thereafter, at the shareholders choice, and has a 5-year term. Further, the major shareholder was issued 140,000 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with a 7-year term and an exercise price of $0.60 per share. This note was convertible at $0.60 per share into common stock. The relative fair value of the warrants and the shares issued with debt was recognized as a debt discount and will be amortized over the term of the note.

On June 1, 2018, this agreement was modified and resulted in extinguishing the debt, returning the original shares and warrants issued with the note, and issuing three million shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the original cash proceeds of $300,000. This transaction resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $459,050. See the common stock and warrants section in Note 8 for more details.

On December 18, 2018, a previous convertible note with Mr. Ronald Foster, a major shareholder was combined with $650,000 of new principal and modified into a $3,972,760 note and share purchase agreement pursuant to which the major shareholder purchased a convertible note along with additional shares of the Company’s common stock. The note expires on the 90-day anniversary of the issuance date and accrues interest at a rate of 10% per annum. On the maturity date, whether or not the note is converted, the major shareholder shall receive shares of the Company’s common stock with a value worth 50% of the note’s principal amount. In addition, the major shareholder shall have the right to convert all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid principal and interest of the note into securities being sold by the Company on or after the maturity date.  The Company may not prepay the note prior to the maturity date.  The number of shares was determined to be 14,391,972 based on a 20-day lookback from the inception date subject to a minimum of $.10 per share. A debt discount and a share issuance liability of $1,989,360 was recorded on the inception date. The debt discount will be amortized straight line over the 90-day period. Total amortization of for the period from inception through December 31, 2018 was $286,922. As of December 31, 2018, the number of shares was determined to be 19,863,800 based on a 20-day lookback. During the first quarter of 2019, the note matured and 19,863,800 common shares were issued. The note and $99,319 was converted into 4,073 shares of preferred stock. The Company entered into a similar share and purchase agreement with the major shareholder for a total of $350,000 during March 2019. These notes matured and 1,750,000 shares of common stock were issued. The $100,000 note and $2,500 were converted into 103 shares of preferred stock. The other $250,000 note and $6,250 of interest were rolled into another 90-day note. The Company entered into a similar share and purchase agreement for a total of $375,000 during May and June of 2019. The Company entered into four similar note agreements between July and Sept 2019 totaling $755,031 and issued 3,156,220 common shares were issued. The Company entered into four more similar note agreements between October and December 2019 totaling $773,906 and issued 3,775,156 common shares. Approximately $8,530 of accrued interest is owed to the major shareholder at December 31, 2019.

In May 2019, Mr. Dean Ledger, the CEO entered into a $224,000 note agreement that expires on the 90-day anniversary of the issuance date and accrues interest at a rate of 10% per annum. On the maturity date, whether or not the note is converted, he shall receive a number of additional shares of the Company’s common stock as determined by a formula described in the note. In addition, he shall have the right to convert all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid principal and interest of the note into securities being sold by the Company on or after the maturity date. In August 2019, the Company issued 1,120,000 shares of common stock upon maturity the note and rolled the principal and interest into a new note totaling $229,600. In November 2019, the Company issued 1,148,000 shares of common stock upon maturity of the note and rolled the principal and interest into a new note totaling $235,340. Accrued interest was $3,854 at December 31, 2019.

In the second quarter of 2019, the Company entered into two-note agreements with Mr. Doug Ledger, the CEO’s son, totaling $280,000 that expire on the 90-day anniversary of the issuance date and accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum. On the maturity dates, whether or not the notes are converted, Mr. Ledger shall receive a number of additional shares of the Company’s common stock as determined by a formula described in the note. In addition, the related party shall have the right to convert all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid principal and interest of the note into securities being sold by the Company on or after the maturity date. In July and August of 2019, the Company entered into two similar note agreements totaling $266,500 and issued 1,195,000 shares of common stock upon maturity of previous notes. In October and November of 2019, the Company entered into two similar note agreements totaling $273,163 and issued 1,332,500 shares of common stock upon maturity of previous notes. Accrued interest was $5,853 at December 31, 2019.

In the second quarter of 2019, the Company entered into a $75,000 note agreement with Ms. Nina Ledger, the CEO’s daughter that expires on the 90-day anniversary of the issuance date and accrues interest at a rate of 10% per annum. On the maturity date, whether or not the note is converted, the Ms. Ledger shall receive a number of additional shares of the Company’s common stock as determined by a formula described in the note. In addition, the related party shall have the right to convert all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid principal and interest of the note into securities being sold by the Company on or after the maturity date. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company issued 375,000 shares of common stock upon maturity of this note. The principal and interest were rolled into a new note totaling $76,875. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company issued 384,375 shares of common stock upon maturity of this note. The principal and interest were rolled into a new note totaling $78,797. Accrued interest was $1,921 at December 31, 2019.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company received advances from Mr. Dean Ledger, Chief Executive Officer totaling $145,000 and repaid advances totaling $99,345 which includes $5,945 of non-cash repayment through the use of the Company’s credit card. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received advances from Mr. Dean Ledger, Chief Executive Officer totaling $8,000 and repaid advances totaling $244,215. Advances payable has a balance of $134,220 and $107,465 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Such advances accrue interest at 6% per year and are payable upon demand.

Except the above transactions, during the fiscal years 2019 and 2018, neither GPEC nor the Company was a party to any transaction (where the amount involved exceeded the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our assets for the last two fiscal years) in which a director, executive officer, holder of more than five percent of our common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any such person have or will have a direct or indirect material interest and no such transactions are currently proposed. 

The Company’s Board conducts an appropriate review of and oversees all related party transactions on a continuing basis and reviews potential conflict of interest situations where appropriate. The Board has not adopted formal standards to apply when it reviews, approves or ratifies any related party transaction. However, the Board believes that the related party transactions are fair and reasonable to the Company and on terms comparable to those reasonably expected to be agreed to with independent third parties for the same goods and/or services at the time they are authorized by the Board.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Audit Fees

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed or to be billed to the Company by its independent registered public accounting firm, Malone Bailey, LLP for the fiscal years indicated.

The category of “Audit fees” includes fees for our annual audit, quarterly reviews and services rendered in connection with regulatory filings with the SEC, such as the issuance of comfort letters and consents.

The category of “Audit-related fees” includes employee benefit plan audits, internal control reviews and accounting consultation.

All above audit services and audit-related services were pre-approved by the Board of Directors, which concluded that the provision of such services by Malone Bailey, LLP was compatible with the maintenance of the firm’s independence in the conduct of its audits.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following are filed as part of this report:

The financial statements of NanoFlex Power Corporation and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are presented in the “F” pages of this Report. 

The following exhibits are filed or “furnished” herewith: