8 November 2011

Dow’s POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles gains safety and performance certifications

The Dow Chemical Company of Midland, MI, USA says that its POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles – which incorporate thin-film copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) photovoltaic material - have received seven certifications for product performance and safety including three Underwriters Laboratories safety certifications for the solar module, fire, and uplift resistance; building code certification from the International Code Council Evaluation Service; International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) performance certification; California Energy Commission (CEC) List of Eligible Equipment certification; and performance certification of ASTM wind uplift resistance.

Made in the USA, the POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle is a new roofing solution that combines the performance and protection of a conventional asphalt roof with an integrated photovoltaic (PV) system that can power the home. Dow aims to make residential solar installations as easy as installing an asphalt rooftop.

To achieve Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certifications, Dow Solar and UL worked cooperatively to identify and perform a series of tests to assess the safety of POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles against building code standards, including wind and fire resistance, and electrical code requirements such as proper wiring and photovoltaic (PV) connections. Dow’s POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle passed UL certifications including: the UL 1703 Third Edition (which tests for the National Electrical Code and Model Building Codes); the UL 790 Eighth Edition (which tests for fire resistance performance); and the UL 1897 Fifth Edition certification (which tests for wind uplift of roofing systems). Also, all the necessary CEC and IEC testing was completed at UL’s San Jose PV Lab in California.

UL is a global independent safety science company offering expertise across five key strategic businesses: Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, University and Verification Services. “We’re constantly improving our rigorous standards to ensure that UL certified products are safe and reliable,” says Jeff Smidt, VP & general manager for UL’s Global Energy Business. “Working with Dow on a truly game-changing product that functions as both a roofing and photovoltaic shingle required a unique set of testing disciplines to ensure compliance as both,” he adds. “The collaboration between Dow and UL to define the testing protocols - and ultimately certify the POWERHOUSE as a safe, dual-functioning roofing solution - is a model for our industry.”

The POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle has obtained the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) certification, hence complying with the International Building and International Residential Codes. The ICC-ES certification requires the fire classification, wind resistance and weather resistance certifications. ICC-ES is a non-profit, limited liability company that does technical evaluations of building products, components, methods, and materials.

The POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles also passed the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61646 Second Edition standard requirements for the design of solar modules in open-air climates. The certification confirms the shingles’ ability to withstand prolonged exposure to various climates. The IEC is the world’s leading organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) - the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency - also certified the DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles to be in compliance with the Guidelines for ‘California’s Solar Electric Incentives Program’. The shingles are listed as being eligible per the CEC’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1) Guidelines.

The POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles also passed ASTM International’s D3161-09 standard, which tests for wind resistance of asphalt shingles. The shingles passed the standards set for 110mph winds. Formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards.

Tags: Dow Solar Solar shingles CIGS

Visit: www.DowSolar.com