BioSolar(TM), Inc. (BSRC), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bioplastic materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, announced that the company successfully accomplished a scale up production run of high quality biobased plastic film intended for use as a backing sheet for photovoltaic cells.
This is a significant juncture to the company, and in the development of biobased backsheet, as the 55-inch-wide rolls of film exceeds the industries maximum width requirements. Experimental modules made with this type of film are currently being tested to see if they meet the longevity requirement as photovoltaic modules are expected to last for at least twenty years. The films will be tested with a 45-day temperature-humidity assessment which was mandated by Underwriters Laboratories.
Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar, elucidated on just how significant this most recent landmark is to the company, “BioSolar has previously developed its biobased polymer which significantly improves the film’s impact resistance and thermal performance. The film was successfully extruded at a narrow width. In order to check for possible scale up problems, we conducted an extrusion run at the full production width of 55 inches. There were essentially no scale up problems, and very high quality film was produced. This successful ramp-up to production scale film width moves us another step closer to commercial scales of our product.”
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 plastics. BioSolar looks to manufacture robust bio-plastics that meet the stringent thermal and durability requirements of current solar cell manufacturing processes by integrating the advanced manipulation of bio-based polymers. Through the removal of petroleum from solar cells, BioSolar can help reduce the cost per watt by using its lower cost bio-based plastics, and will make BioSolar energy a true green source of alternative energy.
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