Independent testing reveals BioSolar’s BioBacksheet improves solar efficiency and power output

21 July 2010

Independent testing has revealed that bio-based solar technology developer BioSolar’s proprietary BioBacksheet technology can improve the power output of  panels by dissipating heat faster.

According to tests performed in June by ThermTest, an independent authority in thermo physical measurements and instrumentation, BioBacksheet’s measured thermal conductivity was 70 per cent higher than the current petroleum based backsheets.

The efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) module is generally determined by the percentage of the incoming solar radiation that is converted to electricity within the solar panel.

The efficiency of popular silicon solar cells decreases dramatically as the temperature of the module increases, the tests found.

The higher thermal conductivity of the materials used to make the company’s BioBacksheet allows the heat that builds up from solar exposure to be more effectively dissipated into the surrounding air, said BioSolar. As such the higher thermal conductivity contributes to a lower operating temperature within the PV module.

This lower temperature within the module is directly linked to higher energy efficiency and improved power output for PV modules incorporating a BioBacksheet.

‘We were pleasantly surprised by this finding. We designed the BioBacksheet with the goal of being green, lower cost and higher durability. But now, BioBacksheet has a much more valuable feature – improved power output,’ said Dr David Lee, CEO of BioSolar.

He said the company is working with its partners to optimise the integration of BioBacksheet within their panels.

‘The interest in BioBacksheet was very high and confirmed for our team that we truly have a breakthrough product,’ Lee added.

Copyright © 2010 NewNet

Tags: bioenergy, solar

This story was published on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 5:58 pm and is filed under North America, companies, solar. You can follow any responses to article entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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