BioSolar claims bio substrate passes test

Southern California-based BioSolar (OTCBB: BSRC), developer of a new approach to produce thin film, flexible solar cells on bio-based plastic substrates, today announced that the company has achieved the first milestone in its efforts to create bio-based solar cells.

According to David Lee, BioSolar's CEO, the company successfully deposited amorphous silicon (a-Si) on a bio-based substrate.

The primary hurdle to overcome in using bio-based plastics has been their low melting temperature relative to petroleum-based plastics.

The chemical vacuum deposition (CVD) processes used to manufacture thin film solar cells today generally occurs at a much higher temperature than most bio-based films can withstand.

"We are very pleased that our first bio-based film sample performed remarkably well in the initial CVD test," said Lee.

The company says it plans to continue working on the deposition process for the additional layers (including p doped amorphous silicon, pure amorphous silicon, and n doped amorphous silicon) to complete a working photovoltaic cell based on a bio-based plastic substrate.

"We are moving full-steam ahead on this project and expect to announce in the near future that we have successfully reached additional significant milestones," said Lee.

BioSolar, as well as other solar startups and industry-watchers, believe petroleum-based plastics aren't appropriate for high volume solar cell and module manufacturing due to cost, geopolitical and environmental concerns.

BioSolar is experimenting with plastics made from renewable resources such as corn and potato starch.

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