New solar energy technology wins accolades
A shingle that generates solar energy was named one of the 50 Best Innovations of 2009 by Time magazine.
Dow Chemical, the Powerhouse Solar Shingle’s inventor, will make the shingles commercially available by the middle of next year. Dow’s technology “will make affordable renewable energy a reality now and for future generations,” said Dow Solar Solutions managing director Jane Palmieri.
The Powerhouse design includes thin-film cells of copper indium gallium diselenide. Dow notes the cells’ low cost relative to other solar technologies.
And, on top of low cost, Dow’s new shingle has other advantages. The company reports that the installation process is no different than that of traditional shingles, making Powerhouse shingles attractive to contractors. And in addition to saving money for homeowners by cutting energy use, the shingles are anticipated to make a lot of money for Dow – up to $10 billion a year by 2020.
The Powerhouse Solar Shingle was number 13 on Time magazine’s list. Another high-ranking green energy invention was Philips Electronics’ 10-watt LED lightbulb, which landed at number three. Between solar energy innovations and greener lightbulbs, the future for clean tech is bright.
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