BioSolar Begins Limited Supply Production of Commercial Grade BioBacksheet-C

World’s First Bio-based Solar Panel Backsheet Now Qualifies for Commercial Production after Completion of Research and Development Phase

6:05 am EST, Wednesday November 4, 2009

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, announced today that the research and development phase for the company’s proprietary BioBacksheet™-C has been completed. Now qualified for production, the BioBacksheet™-C, designed for traditional silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic solar panels, will be the company’s first product to become available commercially.

“Designed specifically for cost-sensitive, economical PV solar cell modules, we expect the BioBacksheetTM-C to be instrumental in driving down the cost per watt of solar power,” said Dr. David Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of BioSolar. “An initial full production run was recently completed at one of our manufacturing partners and samples will be available for all interested PV module manufacturers shortly.”

BioSolar is working to make solar power “greener” and more affordable by developing natural, non-toxic alternatives to the petroleum-based film in use by most silicon-based solar module manufacturers today. Its proprietary line of BioBacksheets™, made from renewable plant sources rather than petroleum, meets or exceeds the characteristics of various testing and performance standards for the PV industry and are expected to cost significantly less than current petroleum-based films.

“BioBacksheet™-C meets or exceeds all industry standard qualifications,” said Dr. Stanley B. Levy, Chief Technology Officer of BioSolar. “They have been tested and passed some of the most rigorous tests of UL 1703, the Underwriters Laboratories PV certification standard, including the damp heat test, where the module is exposed to 85 degrees C and 85% RH for 100 hours and the wet Hipot test, which is a measure of short circuit resistance after the module has been submerged in water.”

“BioBacksheet™-C is a two component system that is highly water resistant and contains high dielectric strength material combined with cellulosic film,” added Dr. Lee. “The substrate is a cellulosic material coated with a proprietary material to reduce the water vapor transmission rate and to increase abrasion resistance.”

Solar Industry Magazine Publishes “Photovoltaic Backsheets: A Brief History and Technical Analysis” Authored by BioSolar’s CTO Dr. Stanley B. Levy

6:05 am EDT, Tuesday October 20, 2009

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, announced that Solar Industry magazine published an article on photovoltaic backsheets authored by BioSolar’s Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Stanley B. Levy.

In this month’s edition of Solar Industry Magazine (Volume 2I, Number 9), Dr. Levy’s article “Photovoltaic Backsheets: A Brief History and Technical Analysis,” provides a technical analysis and explores the history of backsheets used in the manufacturing of solar panels, and their increasing role in achieving grid parity.

“Backsheets have more or less been taken for granted in photovoltaic (PV) module construction,” notes Dr. Levy. “The photovoltaic industry represents a large and rapidly growing market. This means increased demand for backsheets, which may lead to shortages of traditional materials. Because of this increased demand, it is expected that new backsheet materials of all types will be looked at very carefully.”

Dr. Levy’s article explores the evolution of the most common backsheets in use today and how the technology behind them is advancing to meet the increasingly stringent demands of a growing PV industry.

“The traditional backsheets are produced mainly from polyester and Tedlar films. Polyester is made from petroleum and Tedlar is solvent-cast using DMAC, a highly toxic industrial solvent. Both of these products defeat the purpose of clean, green energy. As the demand increases, so does this issue. Interlayer delamination is still considered a problem with traditional backsheets.”

Levy offers insight on the challenges and opportunities presented in the use of evolving biopolymers such as PLA (polylactic acid) resin, cellulosic materials produced from cotton and Nylon 11, which is made from castor beans.

“One challenge facing bio-based backsheets to rapid market acceptance may be the generally accepted notion that bio-based polymer applications have primarily been used where biodegradability is required, even though bio-based backsheets possess equal or better long term durability compared to traditional backsheets.”

Recognizing that significant cost reduction of all PV module components is required in order to attain grid parity, Levy says, “Cost is always a challenge. Significant cost reduction of all PV module components is required in order to attain grid parity… Bio-based backsheets have a definite edge over traditional backsheets, however, due to their potential to be much cheaper than their traditional counterparts.”

Levy brings over four decades of engineering expertise and technical experience in the areas of plastics and film development to his current role as vice president and chief technology officer of BioSolar. A holder of a dozen patents and numerous industry awards for technical excellence, he helped lead the polymer revolution during his 27-year tenure with DuPont, the globally-renowned science company, where he contributed his technical expertise to the development of many of the industry’s highly successful, premiere film materials, including: Teflon, Mylar and Kapton. He was formerly a consultant on module packaging for photovoltaic manufacturing companies including: Global Solar, MiaSole, and Solar Integrated Technologies. In addition, he is a member of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Thin Film PV Module Reliability Team.

Levy holds a Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.

About Solar Industry

Each month, Solar Industry offers industry participants probing, comprehensive assessments of the technology, tools and trends that are driving this dynamic energy sector. From raw materials straight through to end-user applications, the publication’s feature articles capture and analyze the critical details that help professionals stay current and navigate the solar market. For more information, visit www.solarindustrymag.com.

The Solar Power Paradox: Alternative Energy Can’t Run on Oil

BioSolar Executives Authored Article on the Fundamental Contradiction of Petroleum Use in Solar Power Manufacturing

6:05 am EDT, Tuesday October 6, 2009

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Chief Executive Officer Dr. David D. Lee and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Stanley B. Levy of BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC) explore the fundamental contradiction of using petroleum-based products in the manufacturing of solar power systems in a co-authored article appearing in the October edition of AltEnergyMag.com titled, “The Solar Power Paradox: Alternative Energy Can’t Run on Oil.”

“As demand for alternative energy increases and green technologies progress at an unprecedented rate, the solar industry has undoubtedly taken massive strides toward making the world a greener place…The reality remains that the manufacture of PV solar modules (like many green renewable energy sources) is heavily petroleum dependent, presenting a fundamental contradiction in the green energy movement,” note the authors. “Traditional backsheets, the protective film underneath solar cells, are produced mainly from polyester and Tedlar films. Polyester is made from petroleum and Tedlar is solvent-cast using DMAC, a highly toxic industrial solvent. Both of these products defeat the purpose of clean, green energy, and as the demand for solar energy increases, so does this issue.”

BioSolar is leading a movement to make “green” technologies more environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient by developing natural, non-toxic alternatives to petroleum-based products used by solar manufacturers today. Its proprietary line of BioBacksheets™, made from renewable plant sources rather than petroleum, can meet or exceed the performance standards for the PV industry and are expected to cost less than traditional petroleum-based backsheets.

“Significant cost reduction of all PV module components is required in order to attain grid parity,” the article states. “Bio-based backsheets have a definite edge over traditional backsheets because of their potential to cost less, reduce dependency on petroleum and protect the environment – a priceless benefit.”

“By 2015 most solar panels will be in lower price ranges and this is when the backsheet costs become an issue… we found that no matter how green the material is, if the cost is high, it won’t be successful,” said Lee in a recent interview with The Solar Energy Press.

Intense Media Focus on Cleantech Industry Expands Market Opportunities for BioSolar and Other Green Companies

Monday September 21, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, says that intense media coverage of cleantech innovations across energy sectors is helping to fuel market opportunities for green companies across the nation.

“As a company on the cusp of emerging from the research and development stage to commercialization, sustained media penetration has been essential in building BioSolar’s profile prior to production,” said Lee. “In today’s tough economic environment, companies across green segments are competing to increase visibility among key audiences, and we are pleased that we have been able to leverage our technological leadership to create a groundswell of media attention around our technological advances and commercialization plans.”

Hailed as a technology that “will reduce the cost of solar cells,” in a recent Printed Electronics World article, BioSolar recently filed a new patent application for its proprietary BioBacksheetTM-A, a bio-based backsheet featuring an absolute moisture barrier for the thin-film photovoltaic cell market, as reported in Semiconductor Today.

In a two-part Question and Answer with Energy Boom, Lee explains, “With the market for solar power already in explosive growth mode, BioSolar is singularly positioned to lead the development of truly sustainable and cost-effective solar technology.”

BioSolar’s backsheets are expected to cost significantly less than petroleum-based films currently in use by most solar module manufacturers. The BioBacksheetTM-C, designed for the traditional C-Si PV modules, will be the company’s first commercial product.

“Despite current economic conditions, the media is tapping into the growing public and investor interest in alternative energy technologies and helping innovative startups in the green energy space. Companies, like BioSolar, are rapidly coming to market with cost-efficient and environmentally friendly products that will fundamentally change the world.”

BioSolar Strengthens Analytical Laboratory Capabilities

Company Gears up for Commercial Production of BioBacksheetTM

Wednesday September 2, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, is expanding its analytical laboratory capabilities with the addition of testing equipment from machinery and equipment maker Mocon, Inc. for measuring water vapor transmission rate, a critical property of BioSolar’s innovative bio-based backsheets.

“Thin-film solar modules, like those based on cadmium-telluride and CIGS, require backsheets with a water vapor transmission rate of nearly zero, which presented a manufacturing challenge and growth barrier to the solar energy industry. BioSolar has successfully broken through this challenge with a near absolute moisture barrier in the initial pilot run of BioBacksheetTM-A, a bio-based backsheet for the thin-film solar cell market,” BioSolar’s CEO Dr. David Lee.

Currently, the company’s complete line of bio-based backsheets meet or exceed the characteristics of various testing and performance standards for the PV industry and are expected to cost significantly less than petroleum-based backsheets currently in use by the majority of solar module manufacturers today.

“BioSolar also houses an Instron® tester to measure tensile strength and elongation, which provides data expected to be included on product specification sheets,” added Lee. “As we switch into commercial production mode, instruments such as these in our analytical laboratory are critical to ensure quality control.”

This new testing and analytical equipment adds to the company’s suite of other equipment, such as damp heat and temperature cycling testing, and prepare the company for commercial production of BioBacksheets.

BioSolar Files Patent for BioBacksheet-A Thin Film Photovoltaic Solar Module Component

Tuesday August 18, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar modules, announced today that the company has recently filed a patent application to protect the innovations behind its proprietary BioBacksheetTM-A, a bio-based backsheet featuring an absolute moisture barrier for the thin-film solar cell market.

BioBacksheetTM-A is a three layer laminate film consisting of a 100 percent recyclable aluminum foil center core sandwiched between two outer layers of bio-based polymer films, making it a unique product in the industry.

“BioSolar’s goal is to reduce the costs of solar modules and make solar energy greener by replacing petroleum-based module components with bio-based materials made from renewable plant sources,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar. “Patent filing and protection of our intellectual property is an important milestone as we continue our journey toward full-scale commercial production for many of the company’s new products.”

This patent filing follows the recent news that BioSolar has not only accepted the challenge of developing a backsheet with a water vapor transmission rate of essentially zero, which is necessary for thin film solar module components such as cad-telluride and CIGS, but also the initial pilot line run of this backsheet was highly successful. Testing of these samples continues as the company moves toward commercialization.

BioSolar’s complete line of backsheets meet or exceed the characteristics of various testing and performance standards for the photovoltaic industry and are expected to cost significantly less than petroleum-based films currently in use by the majority of solar module manufacturers today.

BioSolar “Has Developed a ‘BioBacksheet’ That May Change the Solar Industry,” According to Energy Boom

Company’s Eco-Friendlier Protective Solar Module Component Rids Solar Energy of Petroleum and Removes Fossil Fuels from Solar Energy Equation

Tuesday August 4, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar modules, “has developed a ‘biobacksheet’ that may change the solar industry,” according to a July 22, 2009 article on Energy Boom.

“BioSolar is currently making steady strides in the commercialization process, and we are always pleased when members of the solar industry share our excitement. We received great feedback following our recent announcement of the successful prototype run of the new BioBacksheetTM-A,” said BioSolar’s CEO Dr. David Lee.

News of the development was also featured in New Energy World Network and Solar Industry Magazine.

Conventional polymer backsheets, the bottom-most layer of nearly all photovoltaic solar cell modules, are designed to protect the solar cell from environmental hazards like moisture and UV rays. One of the reasons solar power has remained expensive is because of the cost of its components such as backsheets. BioSolar’s BioBacksheet™ is a protective covering made from renewable plant sources, rather than the expensive petroleum-based film currently in use, and is expected to cost substantially less than traditional petroleum-based backsheets.

A Renewable Energy World article says that according to Lee, the fastest growing segment of the photovoltaic (PV) market is thin film, particularly copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic panels that require backsheets to have a water vapor transmission rate of nearly zero.

“BioSolar has developed the BioBacksheetTM-A with an absolute moisture barrier from renewable materials. The three layer laminate film consisting of 100 percent recyclable aluminum foil is the center core sandwiched between outer layers of bio-based polymer films, making our product unique in the industry,” said Lee.

BioSolar recently announced that the BioBacksheetTM-C, designed for the traditional c-Si PV modules, will be the company’s first product to be commercially available during the second half of 2009. Two more versions of BioBacksheetTM are currently in the pre-production stage moving towards qualification for full production.

BioSolar Reports Successful Pilot Run of New BioBacksheet-A for Thin-Film Solar Cells

Company’s Complete Line of BioBacksheets Spans the Entire Solar Panel Market

Tuesday July 21, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, announced the successful prototype run of the new BioBacksheetTM-A product featuring absolute moisture barrier for the thin-film solar cell market. The announcement follows BioSolar’s recent news that the BioBacksheet-C, designed for the traditional C-Si PV modules, will be the company’s first product commercially available during the later half of 2009.

BioSolar’s chairman and CEO Dr. David Lee recognizes that the fastest growing segment of the photovoltaic (PV) market is thin film, particularly copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic panels, requiring backsheets with a challenging water vapor transmission rate of nearly zero.

“BioSolar has accepted this challenge, and has developed our BioBacksheet-A with absolute moisture barrier with green components,” said Lee. “The three layer laminate film consisting of 100 percent recyclable aluminum foil is the center core sandwiched between outer layers of bio-based polymer films, making our product unique in the industry.”

“The initial pilot line run, a scaled down prototyping run, of the BioBacksheet-A was highly successful, and samples of this product will be subjected to extensive list of testing once initial evaluation of the backsheet on modules is complete,” said Lee.

BioSolar’s line of proprietary BioBacksheet protective coverings are designed to replace expensive and hazardous petroleum-based film with a bio-based one, creating a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solar panel component. BioSolar’s bio-based materials – both individually and in combination – meet or exceed the characteristics of various testing and performance standards for the photovoltaic industry.”

BioSolar Hailed as a “True Green” Solar Technology in the “Homestretch of its Commercialization,” According to Recent RECHARGE News Report

Expected to be Instrumental in Driving Down the Cost Per Watt of Solar, Company’s BioBacksheetTM-C is Engineered Specifically for Cost-Sensitive and Economical Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Modules

Wednesday June 3, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC) is touted in the May 19 edition of RECHARGE, a news source for the global renewables industry, as a company on a “mission of nothing less than developing plant-derived polymers that could replace the petroleum-based plastics used in the production of the majority of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules.”

The article continues, “BioSolar is in the home stretch of its commercialization of a range of ‘sustainable’ backsheets designed as an alternative to reflective film materials such as mylar or tedlar that are conventionally applied to the back of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar modules.”

Dr. David Lee, Chairman and CEO of BioSolar sums up the company’s long-term plans in the feature article, “Our goal is to make it [our backsheet] as durable as the tedlar-based backsheets, but more affordable for solar-module manufacturers — and also one that is a 100% green product.” BioSolar’s line of proprietary BioBacksheet™ protective coverings are designed to replace expensive and hazardous petroleum-based film with a bio-based one, creating a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solar panel component.

“The robustness of BioSolar’s backsheet comes from its make-up,” according to RECHARGE News. “Within its combination of materials is a cellulosic component — based on recycled cotton — that provides structure, and a nylon-polymer derived from castor-bean oil.”

The company recently announced that the BioBacksheetTM-C will be the company’s first product to be commercially available during the second half of 2009. The announcement follows BioSolar’s recent news that two of its products are currently in the Pre-Production stage and nearing qualification for full production.

The global news resource, RECHARGE (www.rechargenews.com), is focused on the entire renewables industry, rather than one sector, delivering must-read news of wind, solar, hydro, biofuels, wave & tidal and geothermal power on a weekly basis through Recharge – the tabloid newspaper – and on a continuous basis through RechargeOnline.

To learn more, please visit www.biosolar.com, or read an in-depth interview with Dr. Lee on the Clean Techies blog. CleanTechies was recognized as a “Best Business Blog” by the Weblog Awards and as “Best Blog of the Day” by the Blog of the Day Awards in 2009.

BioSolar’s First BioBacksheet Slated to Hit Commercial Market in Second Half of 2009

Expected to be Instrumental in Driving Down the Cost Per Watt of Solar, Company’s BioBacksheetTM-C is Engineered Specifically for Cost-Sensitive and Economical Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Modules

Tuesday May 19, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, today announced that the BioBacksheetTM-C will be the company’s first product to be commercially available during the second half of 2009. The announcement follows BioSolar’s recent news that two of its products are currently in the pre-production stage and nearing qualification for full production.

BioSolar’s line of proprietary BioBacksheet™ protective coverings are designed to replace expensive and hazardous petroleum-based film with a bio-based one derived from plant based renewable resources, creating a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solar panel component.

“Designed specifically for cost-sensitive, economical photovoltaic (PV) solar cell modules, the BioBacksheetTM-C is expected to be instrumental in driving down the cost per watt of solar power,” said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s chairman and CEO. Currently designed for silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic solar panels, the first commercially available BioBacksheet™-C is highly water resistant and contains high dielectric strength material combined with cellulosic film.

“BioBacksheet-C is a two-component system. The substrate is a cellulosic material coated with a proprietary material to reduce the water vapor transmission rate and to increase abrasion resistance,” said Lee. “BioBacksheet-C is undergoing rigorous testing and adjustments over the past months to ensure its functional durability as well as its cosmetic consistency. Once all the adjustments and improvements are finalized, BioBacksheet-C will go through one additional full cycle of vigorous tests before commercial production begins.”

As reported last month in Renewable Energy Focus, ongoing expansion of the patent-pending BioBacksheet™ technology is also expected to accommodate copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic panels.

BioSolar Expands BioBacksheet Product Line for Entire Solar Panel Market

Company Is Nearing Completion of Commercializing Its Breakthrough Eco-Friendly Solar Module Component

Monday April 20, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC) developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, today announced that the company is nearing the completion of the commercialization of its BioBacksheet™ product and enters pre-production stage on new versions to address the entire flat solar panel market.

“Contrary to common belief, commercialization of renewable energy technologies such as BioSolar’s BioBacksheet is quite complex and requires both a comprehensive understanding and analysis of its potential, as well as the development of innovative models to help it gain market penetration,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar.

“BioSolar is nearing completion of the commercialization process, and we continue our mission to develop new products that utilize our proprietary manufacturing and materials process to enhance the characteristics of traditional bio-based materials and turn them into robust and durable materials for solar applications,” said Lee.

Backsheets, the bottom-most layer of nearly all photovoltaic solar cell modules, are currently made from petroleum and designed to protect the solar cell from environmental hazards like moisture and UV rays. BioSolar’s BioBacksheet™ is a protective covering made from renewable plant sources and is expected to cost substantially less than traditional petroleum-based backsheets.

BioSolar recently announced its plans to expand the company’s technology to accommodate copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules, as reported by Doris DeGuzman, the associate editor for ICIS Chemical Business, a global chemical trade magazine on her blog, Green Chemicals, in The Industry Standard and in Power Management DesignLine Europe, an EE Times Europe publication. Just recently, EarthToys.com, the online alternative energy magazine, drew attention to BioSolar by detailing a recent press release on their website.

“Today, BioSolar is pleased to announce that two BioSolar products are currently in the Pre-Production stage and nearing qualification for full production,” said Lee. “The BioBackSheet-L™, an enhanced performance backsheet for demanding PV applications, is nearing qualification for production and the BioBackSheet-C™, designed for cost sensitive, economical PV modules, is making excellent progress in pre-production development and testing.”

“BioBackSheet-A™ with ‘Absolute Moisture Barrier’ is also doing well in the late research and development stage,” said BioSolar Chief Technology Officer Dr. Stanley Levy. “We will continue to provide more information in the future as the product continues to evolve.”

BioSolar’s BioBacksheet Gets Global Audience at International Green Energy EXPO Korea 2009

Company’s BioBacksheet™ Replaces Petroleum with Renewable Materials to Create More Cost-Effective and Earth-Friendly Solar Panel Backing

Monday April 6, 2009, 6:05 am EDT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC) announced today that it will exhibit its BioBacksheet™ solar cell technology at the International Green Energy Expo, and event organized by EXCO, The Korea Energy News, expected to draw more than 30,000 visitors from over 17 countries April 8-10 at the Daegu Exhibition & Convention Center in Korea. The company’s BioBacksheet™ protective covering for photovoltaic solar cells replaces expensive and potentially hazardous petroleum-based film with renewable biobased materials, creating a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solar panel component expected to be instrumental in driving down the cost per watt of photovoltaic solar power.

“We have successfully demonstrated that functional photovoltaic backsheets can be produced from sustainable resources. Our bio-based materials – both individually and in combination – meet or exceed the characteristics of various testing and performance standards for the photovoltaic industry,” said David Lee, BioSolar’s chairman and CEO.

“The BioBacksheet™ will not only reduce the costs associated with photovoltaic modules, but also make a global contribution to a source of true green energy,” said K. M. Suh, president of Shin Ha, Inc., BioSolar’s new Korean marketing partner. “BioSolar’s innovative use of sustainable and recyclable natural resources will undoubtedly be adopted into PV modules by leading manufacturers throughout Korea and globally.”

Designed to replace existing petroleum-based backsheets for silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic solar panels, the first commercially available BioBacksheet™ is a highly water resistant and high dielectric strength bio-based material combined with cellulosic film. Ongoing expansion of the patent-pending BioBacksheet™ technology is also expected to accommodate copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic panels.

“Solar power produces clean energy, but in order for it to be considered truly sustainable, we need to ensure we are environmentally sensitive in the production and disposal process as well,” said Lee. “Whether solar cells are produced using crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon or other solar technologies, BioSolar can help reduce the cost per watt through the use of its lower cost bio-based materials by removing petroleum from solar cells, making solar energy a true green source of energy.”

BioSolar’s BioBacksheet Will “Help Reduce Cost per Watt of Solar, Making Solar Power a More Cost Effective Initiative,” According to Print and Online Reports

Monday March 23, 6:05 am ET

Company’s Cost-Saving Bio-Based Materials for Global Solar Market Poised to Make Solar Power Cost-Competitive and Decrease Industry’s Dependence on Oil

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, “is challenging (DuPontTM) 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 “BioBacksheetTM 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 BioBacksheetTM samples from its first pre-production runs.”

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.

“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.”

BioSolar to Commercialize BioBacksheet for Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules

Monday March 9, 6:05 am ET

Company to Develop Thin Film Version of BioBacksheet Due to Growing Interest From Thin Film Solar Manufacturers

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar modules, today announced its plan to expand the company’s BioBacksheet™ technology to accommodate copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules.

Currently, the company’s patent-pending BioBacksheet™ technology for crystalline silicon (C-Si) photovoltaic solar cells is in the pre-production phase. Designed to replace petroleum-based components with renewable plant sources, the 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.

“At present, the C-Si area is the largest photovoltaic market segment,” said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar chairman and CEO. “However, at BioSolar we recognize that the low-cost potential of thin-film modules, particularly CIGS and CdTe, are emerging as formidable competitors in the global solar market and attracting gigantic investments. Many of these thin film PV manufacturers have expressed strong interests for a “green” backsheet to be incorporated into their thin-film solar panels.”

In a new solar report forecasting production and comparing technologies, “PV Technology, Production and Cost, 2009 Forecast,” Greentech Media analysts report that “companies making cadmium-telluride panels could produce nearly 1.5 gigawatts, or 6 percent, of the global supply by 2012.” The report also said that in the same time frame, “companies that make copper-indium-gallium-selenide solar panels could produce 12 percent, or nearly 3 gigawatts, of the worldwide supply of solar panels.”

“These products require a backsheet comprising an almost perfect moisture barrier,” said Dr. Stanley Levy, BioSolar’s Chief Technology Officer. “Currently, glass is the material of choice. It works, but it is heavy and expensive. In response, we have started development on a BioBacksheet with the required barrier properties for this application. It is a composite film consisting of bio-based and 100% recyclable materials. The resulting product is expected to be much lighter than glass as well as lower cost.”

“The greatest impediment to solar replacing fossil fuels is cost,” said Lee. “Manufacturers struggling to make these technologies cost-effective are increasingly looking to various material choices. We expect this breakthrough product to be rapidly adopted as the standard for the backsheet component of both traditional as well as thin-film photovoltaic modules.”

BioSolar “Could Significantly Reduce the Cost of Solar Cells” Claims TheFutureofThings.com

Monday February 23, 6:05 am ET

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar modules, was touted as a “novel technology” that “could significantly reduce the cost of solar cells,” according to an article posted February 18 on TheFutureOfThings.com.

As the company moves towards production, BioSolar continues to sustain media attention for its cost-saving and environmentally-friendly BioBacksheetTM solar cell technology and its role in helping solve our Nation’s energy woes. In an interview with Ken Silverstein of EnergyBiz Insider, Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar is quoted as saying, “For technology developers to be successful in the next five years, they have to reduce costs and improve quality.” Dr. Lee also discussed the importance of reducing dependency on petroleum in a Partners Green article posted February 19, 2009.

“We are pleased to see the continued media interest in BioSolar and our BioBacksheetTM technology. As the production stage draws closer, we hope the increasingly positive coverage drives us to the forefront of the solar industry where manufacturers are looking for any and all ways to reduce the cost of their solar panels,” said Dr. Lee.

BioSolar Progresses to Next Stage of Pre-Production Citing Positive and Consistent Test Results

Monday February 9, 6:05 am ET

BioBacksheet Also Provides Solar Panel Manufacturers With Color Choices

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar modules, reports that results of testing on BioBacksheet™ samples from the first pre-production runs have been consistent and satisfactory; which gets the company one step closer to full scale commercial production.

The BioBacksheet™, a protective covering for photovoltaic solar cells made from renewable plant sources, rather than the expensive petroleum-based film currently in use, is expected to cost less than traditional petroleum-based backsheets. Backsheets are used in virtually all solar panels.

“Aside from cost and environment-friendly advantages, BioBacksheets™ can now be manufactured in various colors,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar. “This feature will further differentiate BioBacksheet™ from existing petroleum-based backsheets since this is not even an option for them. Photovoltaic module manufacturers often favor color adaptation to maintain aesthetic consistency for their current solar panel.”

BioSolar has been in a pre-production stage for its BioBacksheet™ for the last several months, and has conducted extensive quality control tests on samples of each pre-production run.

“The test covers material properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, and appearances before and after the long term durability tests which include a 1,000-hour damp heat oven test, simulating more than 20 years of real world extreme conditions,” said Lee.

BioSolar’s backsheet technology was featured in a January edition of the Technology and Business Journal, as well as Energy Weekly News.

BioSolar Prepared for Industry Growth Following Obama Inauguration Highlighting Dramatic ‘Green Energy’ Agenda

Monday January 26, 6:05 am ET

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, continues to sustain media attention for its cost-saving and environmentally-friendly BioBacksheet™ solar module component.

BioSolar “is ushering in the inherent benefits of biomass by leading a pioneering effort to reduce the costs of solar modules by replacing petroleum-based solar panel components with durable biomass-based materials,” according to a web exclusive article posted December 10, 2008 on the website of BioMass Magazine and the January 9 edition of Energy Weekly News.

“With the new administration ready to push for legislation requiring the use of more alternative energy, solar energy companies, finishing a year of record growth in 2008, are expected to gain even more momentum,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar. “Companies like BioSolar are uniquely poised for growth in this climate.”

With growth and investment in the solar industry, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to reduce solar module costs and increase efficiencies. Currently being readied for production, the BioBacksheet is expected to cost less than its petroleum-based counterpart used in solar panels. In addition, BioSolar recently developed a new material configuration and manufacturing technique to produce another patent-pending version of BioBacksheet that can potentially deliver a dramatic reduction in cost in the future.

BioSolar Readies for 2009 Industry Growth; Discusses Revolutionary Technology for Solar Panel Industry on Radio Show

Monday January 12, 6:05 am ET

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar modules, was featured on the December 31, 2008 broadcast of Grok’s Science Radio Show and Podcast, discussing the potential of the company’s cost-saving and environmentally-friendly BioBacksheet™ photovoltaic solar module component.

The BioBacksheet™, a protective covering for photovoltaic solar cells made from renewable plant sources rather than the expensive petroleum-based film currently in use, “replaces petroleum-based components in the solar module with bio-based components,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar, on the show.

“I predict in five years the solar industry will be looking at a similar cost of solar, versus conventionally produced electricity. Solar manufactures have improved their design by increasing efficiency and by reducing costs of a per watt solar cells,” added Lee “We are approaching cost parity pretty quickly.

“New Energy Finance analysis, based on the historic cost experience curve, suggests that current silicon-based solar module prices of $4/Watt could drop to $2.60/Watt by the end of 2009, a reduction of 35 percent.”

“The current economic situation has created a market opportunity for companies like BioSolar. If we can supply BioBacksheet™ at competitive prices against current products through a cost reduction on raw materials, we can cement our position at the forefront of providing advanced bio-based alternatives to the expensive petroleum-based backsheets currently in use,” said Lee.

Expected to cost less than traditional petroleum-based backsheets, BioSolar’s technology has the potential to significantly reduce the final cost per watt of solar electricity by allowing manufacturers to lower the cost of their finished product without being impacted by the unstable cost of petroleum.

“The use of petro-based chemicals in the manufacturing process of green energy presents a fundamental contradiction and even with a challenging global economy, photovoltaic technology will remain strong as we ramp up to meet consumer and commercial demand,” said Dr. Lee. “BioSolar is poised for a period of unprecedented growth in today’s market, which Deutsche Bank had predicted will grow 20 percent in 2009. In California alone, where BioSolar is headquartered, solar power generated electricity skyrocketed in 2008 as rebate applications reached record levels in the second half of the year. We are seeing interest in solar power and our proprietary processes continue to increase.”

BioSolar Named a Leader for Its Use of Biomass-based Material Components in Solar Modules

Monday December 22, 6:05 am ET

Company Poised to Address a Market Opportunity for Its Innovative BioBacksheetTM Product

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC) “is ushering in the inherent benefits of biomass by leading a pioneering effort to reduce the costs of solar modules by replacing petroleum-based solar panel components with durable biomass-based materials,” according to a web exclusive article posted December 10, 2008 on the website of BioMass Magazine.

The article features BioSolar’s BioBacksheetTM, a protective covering for photovoltaic solar cells made from renewable plant sources, rather than the expensive petroleum-based film currently in use. This protective covering is needed in virtually all solar panels.

Expected to cost less than traditional petroleum-based backsheets, BioSolar’s CEO Dr. David Lee explained to BioMass readers, “Target pricing and the cost reduction was based on the old pricing of petroleum…Even if the petroleum price goes down further I think our cost will be substantially less than what it would be for the cost of petroleum-based components.”

In addition, BioSolar’s technology will reduce the final cost per watt of solar electricity by allowing manufacturers to lower the cost of their finished product without being impacted by the unstable cost of petroleum.

“The use of petroleum materials in the manufacturing process of green energy presents a fundamental contradiction,” said Dr. Lee. “BioSolar is poised for a period of unprecedented growth. We expect interest in solar power, and our proprietary processes, to continue to increase.”

Even with a challenging global economy, industry experts agree that PV technology will remain strong as the industry prepares to meet consumer and commercial demand for alternative-energy technologies. Market-research firm Gartner Inc. reports growth from 17 PW (petawatt) hours in 2005 to a forecast 21 PW hours in 2010 and as many as 33 PW hours in 2030. Deutsche Bank is predicting a growth rate of 20 percent for the global solar industry in 2009.

BioSolar Claims Global Rights for Worlds First Solar Module Component Made From Renewable Materials

Monday December 8, 6:05 am ET

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, announced today that it has filed for worldwide patent protection of its proprietary BioBacksheet™. BioBacksheet is the world’s first solar cell backsheet made from renewable plant based materials, rather than expensive and environmentally unfriendly petroleum-based alternatives currently in use.

“With the solar industry growing globally, we are committed to ensuring the long-term interests of the company and its shareholders by protecting our intellectual property worldwide,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar.

Dr. Stanley B. Levy, CTO of BioSolar, a distinguished technologist with over a dozen patents issued or pending in the U.S. and internationally to his name, led the development of BioBacksheet as the key inventor. Prior to joining BioSolar, Dr. Levy enjoyed a long career at Dupont™ working with many of its premiere petroleum plastic films including Teflon®, Mylar® and Kapton® that are used as solar module components today. He is an active member of the solar industry including being on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Thin Film PV Module Reliability Team.

Patent protection has been sought through the World Intellectual Property Organization with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to ensure full protection outside of the U.S. on the BioBacksheet technology. The PCT has been ratified by most of the industrialized countries in the world, including the United States, most of Europe, Russia and the former Soviet Republics, Japan, China, Korea and India.

The announcement follows the company’s October announcement that it had filed a comprehensive patent, expected to give BioSolar full protection on the novel inventions and processes behind its BioBacksheet technology in the United States.

The BioBacksheet continues to receive attention from the media, both domestically and abroad. Most recently, BioSolar was featured in European Plastics News; CarbonFree News, a UK-based renewable energy publication; PV-Tech, the new media platform of Photovoltaics International; and AZoCleantech, the leading online science, engineering and medical publisher in Australia.

BioSolars Production Plans Elevate Its BioBacksheetTM Technology to the Forefront of the Medias Attention

Monday November 24, 6:05 am ET

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC) continues to garner interest from solar cell manufacturers and members of the media, including California Energy Circuit and PV Tech, following the company’s recent announcement that it is preparing for preproduction of its anticipated BioBacksheet™, a protective covering for photovoltaic solar cells made from renewable plant sources, rather than the expensive petroleum-based film currently in use.

Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar, will appear on Grok’s Science Radio Show on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 to discuss his company’s breakthrough technology and the potential cost savings it could yield for the solar industry. The show is heard on radio stations across the country; please visit the show’s website to view a complete list of stations and air times. A podcast will also be posted on the website in the days following the interview.

“BioSolar has significantly expanded its activity recently, and we are excited that our new developments and continued progress have not only generated interest from partners, manufacturers and analysts, but have brought our BioBacksheet™ to the forefront of the media’s attention as well,” said Dr. Lee.

In a recent article from RenewableEnergyWorld.com, Beacon Equity Research analyst Victor Sula noted that BioSolar’s material has “durability characteristics similar to conventional petroleum-based plastics” and noted that previous attempts to make a backsheet with bio-plastics were unsuccessful due to the material’s “low melting temperature and fragile molecular structure.”

The latest wave of media coverage follows the company’s official announcement of the technology behind the BioBacksheet at the SPIE Symposium on Solar Applications and Energy conference on August 12, 2008 which was reported on: GreenTech Media, CNET, Scientific American and United Press International, among others.

BioSolar to Begin Pre-Production Runs of Its Breakthrough Solar Module Component

Monday November 10, 6:05 am ET

Company Achieves Critical Milestones Toward Full-Scale Commercial Production

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, today announced that the company expects to begin commercial production of its BioBacksheet™ over the next few months, and is gearing up for pre-production runs.

The announcement follows recent news reports, including a feature in Solar Daily, that BioSolar has filed a comprehensive patent application ensuring BioSolar full protection on its breakthrough BioBacksheet technology.

“The ability to evaluate and remedy real-time issues encountered during multiple pre-production manufacturing runs will prove invaluable as we gear up for full-scale production,” said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO.

Lee explained, “Pre-production pilot runs of BioBacksheets are very narrow, approximately one foot wide, while normal manufacturing runs will be five or six feet wide. Once pilot runs are successful, the next step is to transition to commercial production manufacturing runs. Physical properties of the backsheet from each pre-production run are measured, sample PV modules are produced, and tested before repeating the preproduction run.”

“These tests will provide the feedback necessary to move forward into full production of the BioBacksheet,” said Dr. Stanley Levy, BioSolar’s CTO. “We are extremely pleased with the progress so far, and we look forward to the successful transition into full scale production in the near future.”

In a September report, and the October 10 edition of California Energy Circuit, Beacon Equity Research analyst Victor Sula noted that previous attempts to make solar backsheet with bioplastics failed due to the material’s “low melting temperature and fragile molecular structure.” He noted that BioSolar’s material has “overcome these constraints” with “durability characteristics similar to conventional petroleum-based plastics.”

The recent activity reinforces BioSolar’s position at the forefront of providing advanced bio-based alternatives to the expensive petroleum-based backsheets currently in use, which have been actively sought by manufacturers as a component of solar panels.

BioSolar Files Comprehensive Patent for BioBacksheet(TM) Photovoltaic Solar Cell Component

Friday October 24, 6:05 am ET

Company Poised to Reduce Cost of Solar Energy by Swapping Petroleum for Renewable Components

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC) announced today that it has filed a patent application to protect the novel inventions and processes behind its proprietary bio-based backsheet, a protective covering for the back of photovoltaic solar cells traditionally made from expensive petroleum-based film. The comprehensive patent application, filed earlier this week, is expected to give BioSolar full protection on its BioBacksheet™ breakthrough technology made from renewable plant sources that will reduce the cost per watt of solar cells.

“As the solar industry aims to make the world a greener place, the reality is that making solar cells currently relies on the use of petroleum based-products,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar. “The goal of solar is to provide power while reducing our dependence on the world’s petroleum supply and the use of petro-based chemicals in the manufacturing process of green energy presents a fundamental contradiction. Plus, our technology will reduce the final cost per watt of solar electricity by allowing manufacturers to lower the cost of their finished product without being impacted by the volatile cost of petroleum.”

Lee is leading a movement working to make “green” technologies more environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient by developing alternatives to petroleum. BioSolar’s intensive, 18-month research and development program aimed at identifying sustainable resources for photovoltaic backsheet development resulted in the company’s BioBacksheet, a cellulosic plastic equivalent derived from cotton and castor beans materials.

Details of manufacturing methods are disclosed in the patent application, which covers many breakthrough developments including the use of cellulosic film made from cotton with additives and coatings, and also in combination with a type of nylon derived from castor beans.

Expected to cost significantly less than traditional Tedlar®-based backsheet, the petroleum-based film made by DuPont (DD) in use by the majority of silicon-based solar-cell manufacturers today, BioBacksheet meets or exceeds the characteristics of various testing and performance standards for the photovoltaic industry.

“We expect this breakthrough product to be rapidly accepted as the standard for the backsheet component of both traditional and certain thin-film photovoltaic modules,” said Lee. “Patent filing and protection of our intellectual property is an important milestone as we continue our transition into full-scale production with our contract manufacturing partner, Rowland Technologies, Inc.”

BioSolar Anticipates Federal Clean Energy Tax Package to Benefit Solar Industry

Monday October 13, 6:05 am ET

Company Prepares for Move Towards Full-Scale Production

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of solar cells, says it anticipates unprecedented growth and benefits for the solar industry thanks to the recent passage of Federal legislation. H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, provides an eight-year extension of solar energy tax incentives, thereby assuring industry stability.

The Solar Electric Power Association expects the renewable energy bill will create more than 440,000 jobs and generate at least $325 billion in private investment. It is also expected that solar will grow despite the economic downturn, as most U.S. states are mandating increased use of renewable energy.

“By passing this important piece of legislation, Congress is encouraging the growth of renewable energy and the technology companies across the country, like BioSolar, that support it,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar. “We are excited about this turning point and the positive impact it will have not only on our company and the industry, but the environment as well.”

Dr. Lee reports that BioSolar is making a steady progress toward full scale production readiness and the company has recently announced innovative milestones in its manufacturing technology and processes. As reported recently in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, BioSolar has applied for a patent for “a new material configuration and manufacturing technique to produce a version of the solar cells that can potentially deliver a 50% reduction in cost.”

The manufacture of photovoltaic cells has expanded dramatically in recent years. Photovoltaic production has also been doubling every two years, increasing by an average of 48% each year since 2002, making it the world’s fastest-growing energy technology. BioSolar, whose breakthrough technology dramatically reduces the cost of these solar cells by replacing traditional and expensive petroleum-based components with bio-based materials derived from renewable plant sources, sent waves throughout the industry this summer when it announced at the SPIE Optics+Photonics conference that its technology was derived from cotton and castor beans.

“We expect this breakthrough product to be rapidly accepted as the standard for the backsheet component of both traditional and certain thin-film photovoltaic modules,” said Dr. Lee. “Recent legislation, coupled with volatile petroleum pricing, uniquely position BioSolar at the forefront in the development of truly sustainable and cost-effective solar technology.”

New BioSolar Development to Further Reduce BioBacksheet(TM) Cost

Tuesday September 30, 6:05 am ET

Company Discovers New Technique to Further Reduce the Cost of Its Bio-based Solar Cell Component

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (BSRC), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of solar cells, announced today a new technique has been developed to further reduce the cost of its BioBacksheetTM product.

BioSolar, whose breakthrough technology dramatically reduces the cost of solar cells by replacing traditional and expensive petroleum-based components with bio-based materials derived from renewable plant sources, shocked the industry last month when it announced at the SPIE Optics+Photonics conference that its technology was derived from cotton and castor beans.

The company’s BioBacksheet, currently being readied for production, is expected to deliver a 25% reduction in cost compared to its petroleum-based counterpart used in solar panels. As a result of ongoing research and development efforts, BioSolar has recently developed a new material configuration and manufacturing technique to produce a version of BioBacksheet that can potentially deliver a 50% reduction in cost. A patent application has been filed for this new invention.

BioSolar has shipped BioBacksheet samples to a select group of manufacturers for their evaluation in several regions of the country. In addition to obtaining key verification data points which reflect a growing sense of confidence in the company’s progress toward full-scale production, the company also had an opportunity to evaluate and prioritize the demands and needs of PV module manufacturers.

“Initial test results are very encouraging and we continue to receive positive feedback and be responsive to the needs of potential buyers of BioBacksheet,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar. “With solar cell demand expected to exceed supply for the next 5 to 10 years, we believe there is tremendous opportunity for growth.”