Dow Chemical's New Solar Shingles Designed to Go Mainstreem

Dow Chemical has unveiled its new Solar Shingles:

1. Any roofer can install them, while building or retrofitting an existing roof
2. The shingles are nailed in like  a conventional shingle
3. No electrician is needed on site, though one will be needed to connect the system
4. The shingles will be manufactered at a Midland, Michigan factory

Solar shingles are less efficient (as is all thin film) than traditional rack-mounted solar arrays, but Dow claims they can can offset between 40 percent and 80 percent of a home’s electricity consumption, and will be cheaper and easier to incorporate into building projects. Dow plans to test-market the product in 2010, initially targeting new home construction, with the goal of making it a mainstream product.  (New York Times)