Dow Begins Roll Out Solar Shingles

With a commitment to “reinvent the roof” for the 21st century, the Dow Chemical Co. is bringing its Powerhouse Solar Shingle to U.S. markets this month, starting in Colorado and rolling into targeted states through 2012. The new product is said to combine the performance and protection of a conventional asphalt roof with an integrated photovoltaic system that powers the home.

“The introduction of a differentiated solar product like our Powerhouse Solar Shingle is a significant development for the advancement of alternative energy, homeowners, U.S.-based manufacturers, as well as the world’s energy challenges,” says Andrew N. Liveris, Dow chairman and CEO. “It is also clear that the continued success of the global solar industry will require the kind of technical excellence, market insight, ease of adoption and manufacturing know-how that is embedded in the Dow Powerhouse product and at the core of Dow’s strengths.”

The new product can now serve the needs of homeowners who want to go solar, but aren’t willing to accept the complexity and sub-optimal aesthetics currently offered by bulky, rack-mounted systems, company officials state.  The shingles operates as both a roof and solar product, and are installed directly onto the roof deck along with standard asphalt roofing shingles.

According to Jane Palmieri, Dow Solar VP, providing a solution that has solved the “aesthetics issue” is a critical success factor for bringing solar technology to new populations and communities. “There is a lot of amazing technology in the Powerhouse product,” she says, “but what we learned from the consumer is that they value the look of their homes because it is an expression of who they are. Homeowners want, expect and deserve a solar product that they can be proud to display. And Powerhouse makes that possible.”

Dow is plans to bring the the solar shingles to U.S. homeowners through two market channels. In the new construction sector, Dow will provide a full turnkey service to production homebuilders, utilities and developers to create Powerhouse Solar Communities. The manufacturer will address the retrofit and custom home markets through an authorized dealer network comprised of professional roofing contractors.