Solar Panel Innovation: Companies Searching For Sustainable Solutions

While it is true that solar panels produce clean renewable energy, as with most technology production, the manufacturing process is energy-intensive, powered by fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, and many of the components are petroleum-based. However, if renewable energy generation systems are to be truly sustainable, companies need to seek out alternatives.

BioSolar has developed a high-performance protective backsheet for solar panels, made partly from a castor bean resin and cotton. Not only do they avoid using petroleum products but they are able to manufacture the BioBacksheet for 25 percent less than the Tedlar (petroleum-based) film made by rival DuPont. In May of this year, BioSolar began selling the BioBacksheet for commercial applications. A recent test by ThermTest, Inc, a leading independent authority in thermo physical measurements and instrumentation, revealed some interesting additional benefits. These tests determined that BioBacksheet’s measured thermal conductivity is 70 percent higher than the current petroleum-based backsheets. What that means is that the Biobacksheet is more effective at dissipating the heat that is generated due to the panels exposure to the sun. As a result, panels using the BioBacksheet have a lower operating temperature which means higher energy efficiency and improved power output.

Do you know of any other companies innovating in this area? If so we would love to hear about them.