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Solar Goes Greener and 'Dirt Cheap,' with Plant-Based Panel Components

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November 28, 2011

Solar Goes Greener and 'Dirt Cheap,' with Plant-Based Panel Components

By Cheryl Kaften
TMCnet Contributor

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Santa Clarita, California-based BioSolar, Inc. is literally rebuilding solar modules “from the ground up.” At the GovGreen Conference in Washington, D.C., this week, the company will present new bio-based, drop-in components for photovoltaic (PV) panels—designed as robust, cleantech substitutes for conventional parts made from petroleum-based plastic.


 The new BioBacksheet components will effectively reduce the overall cost and carbon footprint of the solar panels in which they are used, making them more attractive in an increasingly cost-competitive global market. BioSolar has developed a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that will reduce the cost-per-watt of solar cells.

The panels that will be exhibited November 30 through December 1 at GovGreen have been produced by four PV manufacturers that currently are considering commercial use of the BioBacksheets. At the annual GovGreen meeting, public stakeholders connect to learn how to transform green policies into actionable plans. BioBacksheet currently is the only USDA- certified PV backsheet for preferred purchasing by federal government agencies.

"BioSolar's highest priority right now is [helping] its prospective PV panel manufacturing customers to integrate BioBacksheet into their panels for full panel UL [Underwriters Laboratories] certification," said Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Stanley Levy. "Another important priority is [providing] solar panel manufacturers [with] additional evidence that BioBacksheet will remain intact after prolonged exposure to various harmful environmental effects such as ionizing UV radiation."

Consistent with BioSolar's better-than -average industry test results, a recent UV exposure test has revealed that the resilience of BioBacksheet in the presence of destructive UV radiation is markedly better than that of traditional multi-layer laminated back sheets currently used by the PV industry today.

BioBacksheet was exposed to testing that is equivalent to 10 years of solar exposure and displayed no detectable changes, which can lead to the loss of solar panel's hermetic seal against moisture. Should the seal fail, solar PV panel manufacturers might be faced with the time, expense, and inconvenience of replacing panels under warranty.

Dr. David Lee (News - Alert), the company's CEO, commented, "PV panel manufacturers are quickly learning that BioBacksheet is more robust than traditional multi-layer back sheets, as well as being a truly green product. BioBacksheet presents a highly attractive proposition to those PV panel manufacturers seeking ways to improve their products and reduce costs."


Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Rich Steeves

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