Biobacksheet

Stuff like this is a little mundane, but it also reflects something else. The green advantage is promoting the rapid development of plastics based on non hydrocarbon feedstocks. The cost differential is likely minimal and the need for bragging rights is now driving this industry.

So while we have been focused on the problems associated with displacing gasoline, the plastics industry realized that they had a much easier task in replacing hydrocarbons, simply because feedstock limitations are solvable at the volumes needed.

So as long as we want sustainability, this industry is working to deliver and by the time anyone really notices, it will be complete.

That is really what this story truly means, and it is wonderful news.


BioBacksheet Will Help Reduce Cost Per Watt Of Solar

by Staff WritersSanta Clarita CA (SPX) Mar 25, 2009

http://www.solardaily.com/reports/BioBacksheet_Will_Help_Reduce_Cost_Per_Watt_Of_Solar_999.html


http://www.solardaily.com/images/biosolar-backsheet-bg.jpg

Designed to replace petroleum-based components with renewable plant sources, BioBacksheet is a premium-grade backsheet consisting of a cellulosic film combined with a highly water resistant and high dielectric strength nylon film made from castor beans. The patent-pending BioBacksheet technology for crystalline silicon (C-Si) photovoltaic solar cells is in the pre-production phase.


BioSolar "is challenging (DuPont) Tedlar with a new lower-cost solar panel backsheet made entirely of biomaterials," according to the February 2009 edition of Plastics Technology.

According to The Residential Solar Power Contractors blog, CaliFinder, BioSolar's "BioBacksheet is not only manufactured with renewable natural resources making it a green product, it's also cheaper to produce than traditional solar panels and is extremely effective and durable...This new innovation will also help to reduce the cost per watt of solar cells, making solar power a more cost effective initiative."

BioSolar recently announced plans to expand the company's BioBacksheet technology to accommodate copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules, as reported on Nanowerk News.

In addition, emerging energy news provider, Energy Current, recently reported that the company has "concluded successful testing on BioBacksheet samples from its first pre-production runs."

"By removing petroleum from photovoltaic solar modules, BioSolar makes solar energy a true green source of energy," said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar chairman and CEO.

"Whether solar cells are produced using crystalline silicon, thin film or other solar technologies, BioSolar can help reduce the cost per watt through the use of its lower cost bio-based materials."