When Dow jumped into the building integrated PV (BIPV) business with its new Powerhouse Solar Shingle, they added a lot of corporate clout to the PV industry. BIPV products have been around for decades, of course, but Dow’s vote of confidence demonstrates that solar is ready and viable for large-scale production. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that Dow’s new product is supported by a $20 million care package from the federal government. With Powerhouse, Dow has zeroed in on affordability. Because the roof panels are small and modular—and connected through the roof (without need for any on-roof wiring), they can be installed in about half the time as typical solar panels.
http://building.dow.com