Production set for next generation of solar shingles

An injection molder and resin supplier in the Midwest are partnering with a Denver-based energy firm and a Chinese company to manufacture the next version of the Dow Powerhouse solar roof shingle.

Real Goods Solar Inc., which does business as RGS Energy, says Powerhouse combines roof shingles and solar energy generation into one product that lies inconspicuously flush with roofs.

According to the company, the RGS Powerhouse 3.0 Shingle will appeal to new home builders and address unmet needs of some 85 percent of U.S. homeowners with asphalt roofs that will eventually need replacing.

RGS said Kendallville, Ind.-based Creative Liquid Coatings Inc. will mold and assemble all the plastic components with solar components, wire harnesses and other parts needed to deliver a finished product to customers. The business was a supplier for previous Powerhouse shingles.

Clarkston, Mich.-based General Polymers Thermoplastic Materials LLC will provide the polypropylene for the base assembly, which RGS says is expected to maintain the durability and toughness while improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing the overall raw material cost.

Shezhen, China-based Risen Energy Co. Ltd. will supply all the solar components and wire harness connectors for the Powerhouse 3.0 which, unlike its predecessors, will use traditional glass silicon cells instead of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) cells. RGS said the glass silicon cells cost less and are more efficient.

RGS said it can offer a better value proposition than its competitors, even after recently imposed tariff on imported solar cells, and if it achieves a 1 percent share of the re-roof and new home build markets, Powerhouse sales could hit the $1 billion sales mark.

Stephen Geist, general manager of Creative Liquid Coatings, said the solar shingles should appeal to the broader market.

"Powerhouse is an innovative technology that we expect will play a critical role in the evolution of the U.S. residential roofing marketplace," Geist said in an April 16 news release.

Michael Kirtley, president and COO of General Polymers, expects to be a strong channel supplier.

"Building-integrated photovoltaics is an untapped market in the U.S.," Kirtly said in the release.

Powerhouse is a trademark of Dow Chemical Co., and used under license. RGS acquired the rights to continue the Powerhouse brand from DowDupont Inc. for $3 million plus quarterly royalties on net sales.

Midland, Mich.-based Dow had abruptly halted Powerhouse sales in 2016.