Feb 1 2011
BioSolar, Inc. (OTCBB:BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, announced that production samples of its innovative BioBacksheet product have successfully completed all critical Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) initial material property tests and is expected to officially obtain full UL material certification soon.
The initial material property UL certification tests included material identification, partial discharge test, resistance to catching fire, and a long list of other tests that are required before BioBacksheet can be used commercially in solar panels. The last remaining test for BioBacksheet is the measurement of relative thermal index (RTI), which is the temperature below which material will retain its desired electrical and mechanical properties and not be compromised via thermally induced chemical degradation. A provisional RTI value will be assigned to BioBacksheet approximately 90 days into the RTI testing. After that, commercial solar panels using BioBacksheet can be submitted for final panel certification or recertification under UL 1703 prior to sale in the general marketplace.
Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO, commented, “We are excited to receive positive test results on all of our material properties from UL. We are now in the final stretch before our ‘green’ and lower cost BioBacksheet can be commercially made available to solar panel manufacturers. Based on our internal tests, we do not anticipate any problems in achieving an RTI rating that exceeds the requirements of solar manufacturers.”
“Since beginning our sales and marketing efforts in 2010, we have received tremendous interests from solar manufacturers, large and small, from all over the world. That was a great validation of our vision and our innovation. However, new UL certification requirements delayed our commercial engagements with them. I am excited to report that we are close to being back on track in marketing the world’s first bio-based backsheet for solar panels. The benefits of BioBacksheet include green materials, lower cost, increased panel power output, and higher durability compared to conventional petroleum based counterparts on the market today,” added Dr. Lee.