Image by Saginaw Future via Flickr

Dow Chemical has been working on the DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles for a couple years now, and has recently announced plans to expand its manufacturing capability after a succesful pilot run.

What is significant about these new shingles is that they do not require specialist solar installation firms but rather can be installed by general roofing conractors or homeowners themselves.

The plant will also create 1275 new direct jobs and increase capacity to 220 MW annually.

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When I used to visit my grandmother in Sun City West, Arizona, I always remarked to myself, why did Del Webb not put solar panels on every roof of his identikit homes. Now that would have been forward thinking, a lot like this new building, Masdar Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, which powers itself, gives back to the grid, and even powers itself during its construction.

Stunning Solar Building Will Generate More Power Than It Needs >> MetaEfficient Reviews.

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Image by plemeljr via Flickr

Even the Holy See is looking for ways to cut greenhouse gasses and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Good to lead by example.

Vatican installs huge solar panel energy system – Telegraph.

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