MIDLAND, Mich. - The Dow Chemical Co. has unveiled its line of POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles, photovoltaic solar panels in the form of shingles that can be integrated into rooftops with standard asphalt shingles. The solar shingle systems are expected to be available in limited quantities by mid-2010 and projected to be more widely available in 2011, and are designed to bring affordable solar power to consumers.

The new technology from Dow Solar Solutions (DSS) integrates low-cost, thin-film CIGS photovoltaic cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design. The innovative product design reduces installation costs because conventional roofing shingles and the solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously. According to the company, no specialized skills or knowledge of solar array installations are required to install the system.

Jane Palmieri, managing director of Dow Solar Solutions, noted that the technology addresses two of the biggest challenges associated with solar power - cost and acceptance. “Consumers reap the benefits of our innovation. This is about providing roof protection and electricity generation all from one product, with lower costs, improved aesthetics, easier installation, and long-lasting performance,” she said.

“This is just one example of how Dow’s $1.5 billion annual R&D investment is allowing us to deliver practical solutions for some of the world’s most critical challenges,” said Dow Chairman and CEO Andrew N. Liveris. “These types of innovative products not only showcase our deep scientific and technical expertise but also demonstrate how our commitment to R&D is fueling Dow’s future growth agenda around the world.”

Dow also said this new technology expands the ability for solar energy to be incorporated beyond roofing systems into applications such as exterior sidings, fascias, and more.

For more information, visit www.dow.com.

Publication date: 10/19/2009