Bryanston, South Africa - October 07, 2009
Today Dow unveiled its line of DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle, revolutionary photovoltaic solar panels in the form of roofing shingles that can be integrated into rooftops with standard asphalt shingle materials. The 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 successful development of the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle is further proof of Dow's commitment to contributing solutions to world challenges. This is a product which resonates with the needs of developing countries like our own, South Africa, that face the challenges of reducing their dependency on the generation of coal-based electricity without sacrificing their goals for sustainable development," says Sazi Lutseke, Managing Director of Dow Southern Africa.
Groundbreaking technology from Dow Solar Solutions (DSS) 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 the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors. DSS expects an enthusiastic response from roofing contractors since no specialized skills or knowledge of solar array installations are required.
"This is just one example of how Dow's $1.5 billion annual R&D investment is allowing us to deliver practical solutions for some of the world's most critical challenges," said Dow Chairman and CEO Andrew N. Liveris. These types of innovative products not only showcase our deep scientific and technical expertise but also demonstrate how our commitment to R&D is fueling Dow's future growth agenda around the world.
Jane Palmieri, Managing Director of Dow Solar Solutions, noted that Dow's technology addresses two of the biggest challenges associated with solar power - cost and acceptance. "Consumers reap the benefits of our innovation. This is about providing roof protection and electricity generation all from one product, with lower costs, improved aesthetics, easier installation and long-lasting performance," she said.
Today's announcement is the latest milestone in Dow's solar energy strategy following the formation of its Dow Solar Solutions business unit. In 2007, the Company received $20 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop "building integrated" solar arrays for the residential and commercial markets.
About Dow
About Dow Southern Africa
Dow traces its South African origins back to 1959 when its first sales office was established. The company is a significant local industry player and operates through a group of wholly owned subsidiaries namely Sentrachem Limited, Dow Southern Africa (Pty) Limited (including the Chemicals and Automotive businesses) and Dow AgroSciences Southern Africa (Pty) Limited. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company. The Rohm and Haas manufactory in New Germany, KwaZulu Natal is incorporated into Dow as its Advanced Materials Division. As a company that has a passion for the betterment of the human condition, Dow continues to be a proactive participant and supporter of Corporate Citizenship programs aimed at conservation and providing support, including education to orphaned, vulnerable and underserved children. Dow is also supportive of economic transformation in South Africa as well as the Responsible Care« Guiding Principles initiative. More information about Dow Southern Africa can be found at: http://www.dow.com/imea/ssa/about/locations.htm
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For Editorial Information:
Erwee, Doritha (D)
The Dow Chemical Company
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