The efficiency of a photovoltaics (PV) module is determined by the percentage of 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. According to tests performed in June by ThermTest, Inc., a leading independent authority in thermo physical measurements and instrumentation, BioBacksheet's measured thermal conductivity was 70 percent higher than the current petroleum based backsheets.
The higher thermal conductivity of the materials used to make the BioBacksheet allows the heat that builds up from solar exposure to be more effectively dissipated into the surrounding air. Thus the higher thermal conductivity contributes to a lower operating temperature within the PV module, directly leading 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. We are working closely with one of our partners to optimize the integration of BioBacksheet with their panels to improve efficiency and lower cost. We have just attended the InterSolar 2010 Conference and met with a number of panel manufacturers. The interest in BioBacksheet was very high and confirmed for our team that we truly have a breakthrough product," said Dr. David Lee, chief executive officer of BioSolar.
