SustainableCreekside.org

Dow Chemical Company, Oct. 5, 2009

Solar shingle are just that: shingles similar to roofing shingles on most homes. Except these shingles are photovoltaic and produce electricity, like solar panels.

While solar shingles (versus panels) have been around for awhile, there does not appear to be many if any big-name manufacturers producing them.

Enter Dow Chemical.

In October of this year, Dow unveiled its “Powerhouse” Solar Shingles, which can be integrated into a home’s array of asphalt roofing shingles. Dow anticipates having a limited supply available in 2010, with a larger supply coming in 2011.

Dow has invested $50 million in a photovoltaic facility at the company’s 1,900-acre complex in Michigan, a sign that big players like Dow recognize that solar is here to stay….. and is a good business move from an industry’s perspective.

So what does this mean for consumers?

First, solar shingles are cheaper to install. They are typically installed just like asphalt shingles, and by regular roofing contractors. Unlike panels, there is no need for specialized roof construction, but an electrician is still needed to do the hook up to the home’s electrical system.

Second, solar shingles are cheaper to produce, which can reduce costs to end users. Panels are still a bit pricy.

Third, and let’s face it, some folks are just turned off (or their neighbors may grouse) by having a solar panel sitting on a home’s roof. Solar shingles blend in much better with asphalt shingles.

I am sure there are still pros and cons with solar shingles versus panels. For one, currently more square feet of shingles are needed to produce the equivalent wattage of a smaller panel. However, shingle materials and contractor costs can be less expensive, which may offset needing a larger shingle “footprint.”

With Dow in the solar shingle game, others are sure to follow. This means more research and improvements in the technology…. and hopefully lower prices for homeowners as competition drives prices down, while technology improves effectiveness.

PS. The northwest is also a player in solar shingles. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington recently unveiled a flexible solar shingle based on technology originally designed for television screens. For more info, click here.