Benefits & Incentives
Dow Corning has identified four fundamental policy goals for making America
a 21st century solar power. Focusing on these four areas, Dow Corning is
confident that our nation can expand its energy capacity, create jobs and
economic growth, and move toward energy independence from foreign oil.
A Growing Market for Solar
The global solar energy industry has grown dramatically over the past several
years due to the expanding capabilities of photovoltaic technology
manufacturers in Europe, Asia and North America.
Increased investments in new innovative thin film technologies and more
efficient crystalline manufacturing processes have also helped to lower the
cost of photovoltaic modules. As a result, solar is beginning to challenge
conventional fossil fuels as meeting peak power needs in many countries. Future
cost reductions are expected to continue over the next several years, further
making solar energy competitive with traditional sources of electricity.
Supplying the Solar Market
The cost to produce one watt of solar power decreases 20 percent whenever the
capacity of the solar industry doubles – and at current growth rates, capacity
doubles every few years. To continue this growth, it is important to assure a
reliable supply of polycrystalline silicon, a vital raw material. Through its
joint venture, Hemlock Semiconductor Group, the world’s leading producer of
polycrystalline silicon, and our own industry expertise, Dow Corning has taken
a leading role in this effort.
The Science of Solar
Scientists are working tirelessly to create advancements to transform the solar
industry. Explore the science behind the success of solar energy in the
following white papers.
Making America a 21st Century Solar Power
(PDF size = 997KB)
Dow Corning supports President Obama’s vision for a national commitment
to investing in the innovation, manufacturing capability and job creation
needed to establish America’s global leadership in alternative energy
technologies and in speeding their adoption at home.
Silicones: ideal material solutions for the photovoltaic
industry
(PDF size = 177KB)
Silicones have unique properties that make them ideal products for the
entire photovoltaic (PV) module assembly market.
Alternative Energy & Carbon Footprinting: International
Survey Reveals Business Attitudes
(PDF
size = 156KB)
In a recent global survey of manufacturing company executives in a wide
range of industries, one in four companies is actively investigating
alternative energy, while one in three do not regard it as an important issue.
Learn more in this revealing survey conducted for Dow Corning Corporation by
Harris Interactive, an independent market research company.
2007
Sustainability Report: Designing for Sustainable Balance
Our 2007 Sustainability Report showcases Dow Corning’s ongoing commitment to
sustainability, which is aligned with our values and is at the very core of our
company culture.
Scientific Reports
Characterizing Device Efficiency Potential
(PDF size = 297KB)
Silicones for Photovoltaic Encapsulation(PDF size = 165KB)
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