TIME Magazine: Dow Solar Shingles a Best Invention of 2009
11/20/2009
The Dow Chemical Company's (NYSE:DOW) DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle,
the revolutionary flexible photovoltaic solar cell packaged in the form
of a roofing shingle that can be easily integrated with standard
asphalt shingle materials, has been named one of "The 50 Best
Inventions of 2009" by TIME magazine.
"The introduction of the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle exemplifies
Dow's commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the world's most
critical challenges," said Jane Palmieri, Managing Director of Dow
Solar Solutions. "This groundbreaking technology will make affordable
renewable energy a reality now and for future generations. Dow is
proud to be recognized by TIME magazine - a strong testimonial to the
power of our chemistry and science to deliver sustainable solutions."
The DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle integrates low-cost, thin-film
CIGS photovoltaic cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design,
which represents a multi-functional solar energy generating roofing
product. The innovative product design reduces installation costs
because conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are
installed simultaneously by roofing contractors - no specialized skills
or knowledge of solar array installations are required.
Additionally, Dow and the California Institute of Technology
(Caltech) recently announced the signing of a multi-year research
collaboration that is strategic to both organizations' interests in
solar energy. The arrangement is aimed at developing the next
generation of ultra low cost, high efficiency photovoltaic materials
and will accelerate the speed to market for these next generation
materials. Based on earth abundant elements, these new PV materials
should further reduce the cost of Dow's building integrated
photovoltaic line, including the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle.
"Products like the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle demonstrate what
the innovation engine of the new Dow can do," said David Parrillo,
Senior R&D Director for Dow Solar Solutions. "Dow's innovation
pipeline is robust and will allow us to continue to develop new
building related photovoltaic materials and solutions. The
collaboration with Caltech is projected to keep affordability and
accessibility at the forefront of Dow's solar photovoltaic product
lines and is another example of how Dow's leadership and innovation
will further unlock the power of the sun for the masses."
The DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle systems are expected to be
available in limited quantities by mid-2010 and projected to be more
widely available in 2011, putting the power of solar electricity
generation directly and conveniently in the hands of homeowners.
The TIME magazine section honoring the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle is available here. To learn more, visit dowsolar.com.
This press release provided courtesy of The Dow Chemical Company.