Dow has just unveiled a new solar panel - a solar shingle. The Solar Shingle was designed by Dow Solar Solutions to be integrated into residential rooftops with the standard asphalt shingle materials. The shingle systems are expected to be available in limited quantities by mid-2010 and more widely available in 2011.

These innovative rooftop shingles will convert sunlight into electricity for residents much easier, and cheaper than previous solar panels. The shingles have a thin film on them, which cuts out the cost of installation dramatically because it can be installed by a roofer who is already building or fixing a roof. So not only are these cheaper than typical solar panels, you'll also save time and installation costs. And they're nearly invisible!

Previous solar panels needed a specialized installation, but with these you don’t have to have a solar installation crew do the work, the solar shingle can be handled like any other shingle by a roofer.

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