Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods of production of biodegradable polymer resins with high barrier and resistance against water, water vapor, and oxygen. The biodegradable resin compositions of the invention comprise one or more biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, one or more barrier agents, one or more oils, and optionally one or more substrate adhesion agent and other optional additives. The biodegradable resin compositions of the invention are produced using conventional polymer processing techniques such as extrusion and batch compounding and can be used directly as a single or multi-layer barrier or used as a coating on a substrate such as paper for packaging applications. The method of coating of the biodegradable resin compositions of the invention on substrates can be done via conventional melt or solvent based coating techniques.

Abstract: Biodegradable pellet compositions comprising: a starch at about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition, a plasticizer at about 2% to about 30% by weight of the composition; a flexibility agent at about 10% to about 40% by weight; a binder at about 3% to about 13% by weight of the composition; a hydrophobic agent at about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition; and an emulsifier at about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition. The compositions further comprise a defoaming agent where a biodegradable foam pellet is the end product. The compositions may optionally include a plant fiber.

Abstract: An earth mount enabled utility scale solar photovoltaic array has plural rows of solar panels supported on the ground so as to establish an earth orientation of the solar panels. Edge portions of the panels rest on a ground support area and provide mechanical support, and an end curb member abuts at least one edge of the arrangement. The panels are interconnected in at least one series-connected string extending in at least two rows so that the string has a distance between terminal ends of the series connection less than a lengthwise dimension of the solar panels constituting the string, routed to reduce “home run” connections at the end of the string.