NOT PANELS, SOLAR SHINGLES!

Dow Chemical plans to sell solar shingles by 2011
February 15, 2009 (AP via Chicago Tribune)

"Dow Chemical Co. says it aims to start selling power-generating roof shingles by 2011...The Midland [Mich]-based chemical giant has been at work for the past year on a $50 million project called Dow Solar Solutions.

"The company's scientists and engineers are working to develop a product to sell thermoplastic solar roof shingles throughout North America."

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"Dow Chemical is collaborating with three home builders -- Lennar Corp. of Miami, Pulte Homes Inc. of Bloomfield Hills and Prost Builders Inc. of Jefferson City, Mo. -- and with Tucson, Ariz.-based Global Solar Energy Inc., a maker of flexible materials

"The researchers have conducted numerous tests in preparing the shingles for market…At the center of the project is a $2.5 million injecting and molding machine nicknamed "The Beast" that produces the solar cell-imbedded shingles.

"The marketing for solar shingles will be shaped by government subsidies and utility policies…"