Dow Introduces Stealth Solar Shingles

Aug 10, 2009 - Megan Treacy - ecogeek.org

This week Dow Chemical Company joined the ranks of companies trying to make renewable energy both practical and visually pleasing. The company introduced its POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle this week and, I have to say, I'm impressed.The new shingles almost seemlessly blend in with asphalt shingles, providing you with solar power without the possibility of offending your neighbors.

The advantages to these solar panels go beyond aesthetics - they can be installed by a regular roofing contractor along with, or in place of, traditional shingles, and, although specific pricing hasn't been released, they will reportedly be around 30 - 40 percent cheaper than other rooftop solar PV systems.

The CIGS cells operate above 10 percent efficiency and the solar panel system will be available in small quantities by the middle of next year with a bigger roll-out by 2011.