BioSolar starts bio-based solar cell development

April 10, 2007

BioSolar (OTCBB: BSRC) today announced that the company is launching its development program "to produce a proprietary bio-based resin uniquely suited to the rigors of solar cells."

The company calls it the first phase of its plan to produce thin film, flexible solar cells on bio-based plastic substrates, in a bid to dramatically lower the cost of solar cells.

"Our thin film solar cell development is unique because it involves the deposition of thin layers of amorphous silicon directly onto bio-based substrates utilizing a process known as chemical vapor deposition, or CVD," said David Lee, BioSolar's CEO.

"The current generation of bio-based resins has much lower melting and degassing temperature points than those of conventional petroleum-based plastic substrates ... we have launched our development program to blend the appropriate resins."

The company says a secondary objective is to satisfy the durability and environmental requirements established by conventional petroleum-based plastic substrates. These include electromagnetic properties, mechanical strength, dimensional stability, opacity, reflectivity, hydroscopic properties, weatherability, adhesion, flame resistance, and other traits.

BioSolar says the emerging market for its thin film, flexible solar cells will includes building materials, outdoor power, emergency power, mobile computer and communications and other sectors.

BioSolar was listed on the OTCBB this past February (see Thin film solar startup BioSolar goes public.)

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Comments

What's bio about this? And why?

I don't get the bio part? What's biological about plastic?

I understand it's likely good to move away from petrochemical-based products like conventional plastics for sustainability and petro independence purposes, but what are the other benefits of a bio-based resin used in a solar cell?

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