Dow’s High-Powered Solar Shingles Becoming a Reality

Solar shingles aren’t new anymore, as we’ve noted before. But Dow now has the first residential solar shingle certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and that is original!

Dow’s POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle is a perfect example of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with an equally integrated connection system guaranteed to operate safely and effectively when incorporated into a residential roof.

For those homeowners ready to go solar, the wait for a truly integrated, reliable solar shingle is almost over. And so is the 30-percent federal tax credit for energy-efficient products or upgrades like biomass stoves, HVAC, insulation, new roofs, Energy Star hot water heaters and thermally efficient windows and doors. The deadline is December 30 (less than two months), so get your estimates and get moving now.

Fortunately, the 30-percent tax credit for solar energy systems lasts until 2016, and applies specifically to PV systems that meet electrical and fire code requirements. Find out exactly how much a solar energy system would save you here.

In addition, because of its superb connection system, the Dow POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle:

• Reduces installation time
• Integrates readily and aesthetically into most residential asphalt shingle-type roofs
• Reduces the number of roof penetrations needed, cutting down significantly on labor costs

Made of thin-film CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, diselenide), the solar shingles offer an excellent balance of low cost and high efficiency, and the flexible foil substrate provides the durability needed to insure reliable performance once it is installed.

The UL certification, by a trusted, independent global product safety organization, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing process of bringing POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles to the marketplace by 2011, according to Dow Solar Vice President Jane Palmieri.

The certification was granted only after 50 individual tests to assure product safety in such diverse conditions as wind and fire, and to meet the demanding standards of electrical codes and photovoltaic connections. More testing, by Dow, is also scheduled.

Certification covers a broad spectrum of safety and building standards, including UL 746 (standards for polymeric materials), 1703 (flat plate PV), 1897 (uplift tests, roof covering systems), 790 (fire test standards, roof coverings), 486 (wire connectors), and 514 (outlet boxes).

Photo Credit: John Hritz & Saginaw Future via Flickr CC

Posted on November 3rd in Solar Products by Jeanne.