In the move toward the widespread uptake of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), Dow Chemical has unveiled the Dow Powerhouse solar shingle. The BIPV technology incorporates solar panel capability in the form of a building material.

Dow Solar Solutions (DSS) integrates low-cost, thin-film CIGS PV cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design, which represents a multifunctional solar energy generating roofing product. The product design reduces installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors.

Jane Palmieri, managing director of DSS, noted that Dow's technology addresses two of the biggest challenges associated with solar power -- cost and acceptance.

Back in 2007, DSS received US$20 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop BIPV solar arrays for the residential and commercial markets. The Powerhouse solar shingle is the latest development to come out of this initiative.

The solar shingle systems are expected to be available in limited quantities by mid-2010 and projected to be more widely available in 2011.