Energy Industry

Dow Corning Turns to the Sun to Power Its Manufacturing Facility in Germany

Energy Resource, August 20, 2007

Dow Corning has installed more than 1,000 square meters of solar panels to help power one of its largest manufacturing sites in Europe.

Installed on the roof and facades of office and production buildings at Dow Corning GmbH in Wiesbaden, Germany, the system is expected to generate the equivalent of annual electricity needed to support 35 households.

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Dow Corning partnered with ESWE, a local utility company that manages an Innovation and Climate Protection fund to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The energy generated by the solar panels is fed back into the local electricity grid. In return, the company benefits from subsidies to buy electricity for its own energy needs.

Dow Corning Wiesbaden commits to re-invest 30 percent of these subsidies every year in sustainable energy projects.

The solar panel modules were supplied by Photowatt International SAS, one of the largest manufacturers of solar silicon ingots, wafers, cell and modules in Europe. They contain Dow Corning materials developed for use in photovoltaic (solar) cells and modules, including Dow Corning PV 1101 SoG Silicon, a product launched in 2006.

"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when we are able to build strong relationships between our company, the local government, energy and material suppliers and environmental agencies. We can all work together in support of sustainability and energy efficiency," said Klaus Hoffmann, Dow Corning European Area President.

"Reducing energy use saves both natural resources and reduces emissions. This creates economic value for Dow Corning and a benefit to the environment and the community. We are keen to take advantage of more opportunities like this one to actively engage in our global commitment to sustainability," Hoffmann added.

In May 2007, Dow Corning announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing capabilities for polycrystalline silicon, the largest expansion in the history of the industry for the critical solar material.

Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, in which Dow Corning owns a majority stake, manufactures 30 percent of the world's total supply of polycrystalline silicon.

For more information on Dow Corning Solar Solutions, visit www.dowcorning.com/solar.> ((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@scitech21.com))

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