Compiled by Tony Lascari - Midland Daily News
Dow Corning Corp. is finding new partners as it works to improve the viability of the solar industry.
The company announced an effort with Reis Robotics to promote a new Dow Corning encapsulant series that provides protection to solar cells in a panel.
The encapsulant is a liquid silicone-based material that Dow Corning said will help reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour of solar power. Don Buchalski, senior marketing specialist with Dow Corning Solar Business, said the ultimate goal is to help advance solar power as a viable and sustainable option globally.
Reis, headquartered in Germany, is recognized for its technical innovations in robotics, global reach, and highly regarded reputation in the solar industry, said Gaetan Borgers, global industry director for the Dow Corning Solar Business.
"We are looking for innovative collaborators who excel at providing next generation turnkey solutions to customers quickly," Borgers said. "By working with leaders in the field who share our vision of advancing the promise of solar technology, a complete manufacturing solution is possible."
Dow Corning Solar Solutions signed a distribution agreement with silicone supplier Krayden, Inc., to address solar manufacturing needs. Krayden offers technical support while servicing demand for encapsulants, coatings, adhesives, sealants and more.
HSC, Dow Corning part of trade mission to India
A joint team from Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor Group participated in a U.S. Solar Energy Trade Mission to India organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce in December.
The goal was to help U.S. solar technology firms initiate or expand exports to India through networking opportunities, policy discussions and market research. Dow Corning and HSC were among 15 companies that visited New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.
Martin Lee, Greater Asia Commercial Manager, said they met with numerous Indian companies, government officials, potential investors and bankers and financiers.
"This gave us the opportunity to greatly enhance their understanding of how government initiatives can drive the growth of the solar industry in India, and how leading material solutions providers, like Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor, can add tremendous value in helping the industry achieve its goals." Lee said. "The trade mission provided a meaningful forum for dialogue and information sharing, and building relationships that will help develop a portfolio of opportunities for Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor in India."
The team also interacted with Timothy J. Roemer, U.S. Ambassador to India.
Dow Chemical donates to German elephant habitat
The indoor comfort of elephants will be greatly improved at the Opel Zoo in Kronberg, Germany, with the addition of a new temperature controlled enclosure made possible in part by a grant from The Dow Chemical Co.
The funding will be designated for the heating and cooling of a new enclosure for the zoo's elephants. The new habitat will be built in 2011. Dow is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Germany this year and the zoo is near the Dow office in Schwalbach am Taunus. Dow has been manufacturing heat transfer fluids for use in heating and air conditioning systems for 75 years.
"This contribution reinforces our commitment to the region, our heritage of unique applications for chemistry, and the planet," Dow's Renaud Jourdan said.
Dow Chemical gets new contracts for solar power-enabling product
The Dow Chemical Co. reports that it has signed several new contracts to supply DOWTHERM A Fluid for concentrating solar power installations in 2010. The new plants will be located in Spain and the United States.
Concentrating solar power uses parabolic mirrors to reflect and magnify heat from the sun onto a closed circulating loop containing DOWTHERM A heat transfer fluid. The fluid collects the heat energy and transports it to a power station where it is used to produce steam, which drives turbines that generate electricity.
Dow said solar power technology offers many advantages in regions that require reliable new sources of energy, noting it helps to diversify the energy supply, is capable of producing power during periods of peak demand and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
