LANSING, Mich., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Michigan's Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm said a new solar roofing shingle developed by Dow Chemical is the right thing for her state's green energy plans.
Granholm in her eighth and final State of the State address heralded a decision by Michigan-based Dow Chemical to begin full-scale production of a solar shingle at its headquarters in the eastern city of Midland.
"Dow's latest contribution to solar-energy technology is truly revolutionary," the outgoing governor said.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. said it was considering a $140 million incentive for Dow to produce photovoltaic solar shingles that can be installed along with standard asphalt shingles, Dow said.
"At Dow, innovation is about our ability to apply materials science to address a challenge like the need for affordable, renewable energy sources," said Jane Palmieri, the general manager of Dow Solar Solutions.
The solar shingle integrates thin-film photovoltaic cells into a unique shingle design. Standard roofing contractors can install the solar shingle along with regular asphalt shingles using standard practices.
A limited product launch for commercial use is expected later in 2010, with large-scale availability expected by 2011.
