Santa Clarita, CA – October 20, 2009 –– BioSolar, Inc. (OTC BB: BSRC), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, announced that Solar Industry magazine published an article on photovoltaic backsheets authored by BioSolar’s Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Stanley B. Levy.
In this month’s edition of Solar Industry Magazine (Voluem 2I, Number 9), Dr. Levy’s article “Photovoltaic Backsheets: A Brief History and Technical Analysis,” provides a technical analysis and explores the history of backsheets used in the manufacturing of solar panels, and their increasing role in achieving grid parity.
“Backsheets have more or less been taken for granted in photovoltaic (PV) module construction,” notes Dr. Levy, “The photovoltaic industry represents a large and rapidly growing market. This means increased demand for backsheets, which may lead to shortages of traditional materials. Because of this increased demand, it is expected that new backsheet materials of all types will be looked at very carefully.”
Dr. Levy’s article explores the evolution of the most common backsheets in use today and how the technology behind them is advancing to meet the increasingly stringent demands of a growing PV industry.
“The traditional backsheets are produced mainly from polyester and Tedlar films. Polyester is made from petroleum and Tedlar is solvent-cast using DMAC, a highly toxic industrial solvent. Both of these products defeat the purpose of clean, green energy. As the demand increases, so does this issue. Interlayer delamination is still considered a problem with traditional backsheets.”
Levy offers insight on the challenges and opportunities presented in the use of evolving biopolymers such as PLA (polylactic acid) resin, cellulosic materials produced from cotton and Nylon 11, which is made from castor beans.
“One challenge facing bio-based backsheets to rapid market acceptance may be the generally accepted notion that bio-based polymer applications have primarily been used where biodegradability is required, even though bio-based backsheets possess equal or better long term durability compared to traditional backsheets.”
Recognizing that significant cost reduction of all PV module components is required in order to attain grid parity, Levy says, “Cost is always a challenge. Significant cost reduction of all PV module components is required in order to attain grid parity… Bio-based backsheets have a definite edge over traditional backsheets, however, due to their potential to be much cheaper than their traditional counterparts.”
Levy brings over four decades of engineering expertise and technical experience in the areas of plastics and film development to his current role as vice president and chief technology officer of BioSolar. A holder of a dozen patents and numerous industry awards for technical excellence, he helped lead the polymer revolution during his 27-year tenure with DuPont, the globally-renowned science company, where he contributed his technical expertise to the development of many of the industry’s highly successful, premiere film materials, including: Teflon, Mylar and Kapton. He was formerly a consultant on module packaging for photovoltaic manufacturing companies including: Global Solar, MiaSole, and Solar Integrated Technologies. In addition, he is a member of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Thin Film PV Module Reliability Team.
Levy holds a Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.
About Solar Industry
Each month, Solar Industry offers industry participants probing, comprehensive assessments of the technology, tools and trends that are driving this dynamic energy sector. From raw materials straight through to end-user applications, the publication's feature articles capture and analyze the critical details that help professionals stay current and navigate the solar market. For more information, visit
About BioSolar, Inc.
BioSolar, Inc. has developed a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that will reduce the cost per watt of solar cells. Most of the solar industry is focused on photovoltaic efficiency to reduce cost. BioSolar is the first company to introduce a new dimension of cost reduction by replacing petroleum-based plastic solar cell components with durable bio-based materials. To learn more about BioSolar, please visit our website at http://www.biosolar.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company. |
