 A comprehensive line of low cost bio-based films and resins to replace higher cost solar panel components: |
A Breakthrough Bio-based Materials Technology
Today, petroleum-based plastics are used in the production of virtually all PV solar modules. However, the cost of these plastics has been steadily increasing due to rising oil prices, which runs counter to the industry’s effort to further cost reductions to make solar energy competitive with conventional fossil fuel. Furthermore, petroleum-based plastics are not environmentally neutral. For an example, traditional PV 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 materials defeat the goal of clean and green solar energy. As the demand increases, so does this issue.
Bio-based materials can be produced inexpensively, and because they are derived from renewable plant sources their costs are not tied to high oil prices. In the past, conventional bio-based materials have not been successfully used in PV applications, due to their low melting temperature and fragile molecular structure. Most bio-based materials available today will not withstand existing solar cell manufacturing processes.
Leveraging more than 40 years of experience in material science and processing technology, the BioSolar scientific team have developed a low cost bio-based material that meets the manufacturing and operating requirements of PV solar systems. Our breakthrough bio-based material is a result of our innovative enhancements to some widely available bio-based polymers. This new tough bio-based material will be able to offer the durability and environmental characteristics of conventional petroleum-based plastics, such as electromagnetic properties, mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and weatherability required by PV solar applications.
In short, by toughening up inexpensive and fragile bio-based materials for solar applications, our breakthrough technology helps to reduce the cost of PV modules. BioSolar’s lower cost bio-based materials can be used as the backsheet, substrate as well as superstrate.
Lower Capital Costs for Customers
Capital costs are reduced further because our proprietary bio-based PV components can be manufactured using existing industrial machines. Our customers do not need to bear the cost of proprietary manufacturing systems.