 A comprehensive line of low cost bio-based films and resins to replace higher cost solar cell components: |
A Breakthrough Bio-based Materials Technology
Today, petroleum-based plastics are used in the production of virtually all solar cells and 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. 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 solar cell applications, due to their low melting temperature and fragile molecular structure. Conventional bio-based materials available today will not withstand most 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 solar cell 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 solar cell applications.
In short, by toughening up inexpensive and fragile bio-based materials for solar applications, our breakthrough technology helps to reduce the cost of solar cells. 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 components can be manufactured using existing industrial machines. Our customers do not need to bear the cost of proprietary manufacturing systems.