Dow's Powerhouse solar shingles integrate thin-film photovoltaic cells into a proprietary injection molded roofing shingle design. According to the Midland-based company, roofing contactors can install the panels with no specialized skills or knowledge of solar array installations.

The solar shingle systems will be available in limited quantities by mid-2010, and Dow expects them to be widely available in 2011, "putting the power of solar electricity generation directly and conveniently in the hands of homeowners," the company said in a news release.

The solar shingles, which are are copper indium gallium diselenide-based solar cells made using thin-film technology, encased in molded plastic, were introduced at an event at Dow's Midland headquarters.

Dow's Solar Solutions business unit received $20 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop "building integrated" solar arrays for the residential and commercial markets. In late 2008, Dow installed a 1,350-ton Husky Quadloc Tandem injection press in Midland as part of its effort to get commercially viable solar shingles to market.

"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," Dow Chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris said in an Oct. 5 news release.