Typically, manufacturers apply a protective backsheet made of plastic, but BioSolar’s solar panel bio-oil backsheet has no petroleum component.
The semiconductor photovoltaic solar panel needs some measure of protection as well as electrical insulation. For this reason, petroleum-based plastic works well as a backsheet for pretty much all solar panels that are manufactured today.
Up the line, petroleum extraction and refining is related to a number of harmful environmental effects, including greenhouse gas emissions. Petroleum-based solar panel backsheets add yet another carbon footprint to an otherwise clean energy source.
BioSolar’s approach to the backsheet problem is to use natural resin from the castor bean and cellulose fibers from recycled cotton rags. The resulting solar panel bio-oil backsheet uses zero petroleum, needs less energy and costs less to manufacture.
Additionally, the bio-oil backsheet has better thermal conductivity characteristics than traditional petroleum-based backsheets. BioSolar’s solar panel bio-oil backsheet pulls more heat out of the solar panel, extending lifespan.
“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 PV solar applications.” – BioSolar
Image©BioSolar
