BioSolar Inc. (BSRC) is the first company to introduce a new dimension of cost reduction by replacing oil-based plastic solar components with durable bio-based components. BioSolar has developed a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost per watt of solar cells. Most of the solar industry is currently focused on photovoltaic efficiency to reduce cost.
Through the advanced manipulation of bio-based polymers, BioSolar intends to produce robust, bio-based components that meet the stringent thermal and durability requirements of current solar cell manufacturing processes. 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-based products from solar cells, BioSolar makes solar energy a true green source of energy.
With oil flirting with the $120-per-barrel mark, rapid economic growth in the emerging markets, and concerns over global warming, solar energy becomes a much more viable alternative. This is particularly true for the generation of electricity around the globe. The demand for solar cells is growing rapidly and BioSolar is positioned to take advantage of this growth.
BioSolar is in a unique position within the supply chain to provide the entire solar industry, including thin-film manufacturers, with the ability to reduce their costs. The immediate business opportunity for the company is in supplying the industry’s first low cost, bio-based backsheets for current solar cell systems. Using BioSolar’s materials, the cost reduction over the materials being replaced can be in excess of 50%. The market for plastic components and layers exceeds $1 billion ,and the market for backsheet products alone is currently at $300 million. BioSolar’s bioplastic films aren’t affected by the current polysilicon shortages, creating an opportunity for the company to build market share and revenues by supplying PV manufacturers with more cost effective bioplastic backfilms and other products.
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