Time lists Dow Chemicals solar shingle among best inventions of 2009

An inovative 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.

Developed by the US-based Dow Chemicals, 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.

Dow's groundbreaking technology integrates low-cost thin-film photovoltaic cells into a roofing shingle design, which represents a multi-functional solar module.  The innovative product design reduces installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles  are installed simultaneously.

The innovative product design reduces installation costs because conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors - no specialised skills or knowledge of solar array installations are required.

"The introduction of the Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle exemplifies Dow's commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the world's most critical challenges," says Jane Palmieri, managing director of Dow Solar Solutions. 

She says, "This groundbreaking technology will make affordable renewable energy a reality now and for future generations. Dow is proud to be recognized by Time magazine - a strong testimonial to the power of our chemistry and science to deliver sustainable solutions."

The solar shingle delivers building-integrated aesthetics by integrating PV functionality into an asphalt roof-shingle form factor.  It utilises high-efficiency, CIGS-based, PV cells manufactured on a flexible substrate.  These cells are laminated and subsequently over-molded into the final shingle design using conventional materials and polymer processing methods.