SOLAR SHINGLE NAMED BEST INVENTION

Dow ™ Powerhouse ™ Solar Shingle Named a Best Invention of 2009 by TIME Magazine
November 16, 2009 (Dow Chemical via PR Newswire)

"The Dow Chemical Company's 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 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."

From hgtvpro via YouTube

"Additionally, Dow and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) recently announced the signing of a multi-year research collaboration…aimed at developing the next generation of ultra low cost, high efficiency photovoltaic materials…Based on earth abundant elements, these new PV materials should further reduce the cost of Dow's building integrated photovoltaic line…"

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"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…

"…[Dow] delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. In 2008, Dow had annual sales of $57.4 billion and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide…"