Company Announces Bio-Material for Solar Panels

By RandyR

10-02-2008

In an effort to move away from petroleum based films that add cost and further dependence on oil, BioSolar, Inc. has announced a new product called BioBacksheet™ which is made of materials derived from castor beans and cotton.

The new material is suited for use as a back sheet in solar panels, reducing costs by up to 25 percent. BioSolar says it is continuing to configure the plant based material and improve manufacturing operations so that a potential savings of up to 50 percent can be realized.

Interestingly, the use of castor beans to make polymer like compounds dates back to German scientists who developed the process during petroleum shortages in both World Wars. Today, a large portion of castor production occurs in India. That product, known as N-11, is used today in everyday items like rollerblade wheels.

BioSolar has shipped its BioBacksheet™ samples to several manufacturers for evaluation and test purposes. Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar, said that “Initial test results are very encouraging and we continue to receive positive feedback’ from customers. He went on to say that,“With solar cell demand expected to exceed supply for the next 5 to 10 years, we believe there is tremendous opportunity for growth.”

BioSolar says that, while most of the industry is focused on increasing the efficiency of solar panels, it is the first company to introduce cost reduction through material replacement.