The firm’s POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles have been awarded for product performance and safety.

The Dow Chemical Company has announced that its DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles based on CIGS technology, have received seven certifications.



Three of these include 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 performance certification; California Energy Commission List of Eligible Equipment certification; and performance certification of ASTM wind uplift resistance.



"These certifications confirm the significant advantage and peace of mind our product offers to homeowners," said Jane Palmieri, Dow Solar Vice President. "The POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles are another example of a safe and reliable building solution available today by Dow."

To achieve numerous Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certifications, Dow Solar and UL worked cooperatively to identify and perform a series of tests to assess the safety of the 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 numerous 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. Additionally, 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," said Jeff Smidt, Vice President and 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. 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 thereby 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 nonprofit, limited liability company that does technical evaluations of building products, components, methods, and materials.

The POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles also passed the 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 one of the world's leading organisations that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

The CEC also certified the DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles to be in compliance with the Guidelines for "California's Solar Electric Incentives Program." The DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles are listed as eligible per the California Energy Commission's Senate Bill 1 (SB1) Guidelines.

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency.

The DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles also passed ASTM International's D3161-09 standard which tests for wind resistance of asphalt shingles. The POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles passed the standards set for 110 mph winds.

ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a globally recognised leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards.

Made in the USA, the POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle is a revolutionary new roofing solution that combines the performance and protection of a conventional asphalt roof with an integrated photovoltaic (PV) system that powers the home and saves the homeowner money.

It is designed to install, look and function in a way that has never been done before. Behind a strong brand reputation and warranty, Dow is transforming the residential market by making a solar installation as easy as installing an asphalt rooftop -- all while maintaining the home's attractiveness.

Just last week, Dow announced that the DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle will now be available to homeowners in Colorado.