Solar Solutions Application Center

Dow Corning Corp., recently opened a Solar Solutions Application Center in Freeland, Michigan, to collaborate with customers to develop, evaluate and pilot materials solutions used to manufacture solar panels.

The 27,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility represents an investment of more than $3 million and includes a laboratory, pilot equipment and testing facilities. A team of engineers and scientists will staff the facility.
Midland, Michigan, is home to Dow Corning’s global headquarters.

One of the only companies in the world able to provide silicon-based solutions throughout the entire photovoltaic value chain, Dow Corning is investing to expand its portfolio of total solution packages for solar cell manufacturing, module assembly and installation. Solution packages include high-performance silicone  products such as encapsulants, adhesives, coatings, potting agents and sealants, as well as next-generation solar grade silicon.

“We’re bringing the same kind of in-depth understanding of chemistry and technology that we’ve been applying to many other industries to the solar industry value chain,” said Gaetan Borgers, global industry director, Dow Corning Solar Business. 

“We’re addressing key issues such as availability of raw materials and cost, durability and performance of solar modules. Today’s energy needs require multiple solutions, and the diverse capabilities and extraordinary potential of solar energy will play a significant role in solving these challenges.”