Dow Corning is starting construction in Thomas Township., Mich., of a manufacturing plant that will manufacture monosilane gas – a key material used to manufacture thin-film solar cells. In conjunction with the ceremony, Dow Corning will also unveil a solar panel installation and Solar Discovery Center at its corporate headquarters in Midland, Mich.
Located adjacent to Hemlock Semiconductor Group's polysilicon manufacturing site, the Dow Corning Monosilanes facility will manufacture high-purity monosilane. The facility, which is expected to be completed in 2011, represents an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars and will initially employ approximately 30 people, according to Dow Corning.
The solar installation at Dow Corning headquarters features 136 solar panels and will produce approximately 30 kWh of power. The Solar Discovery Center, adjacent to the installation, features interactive displays designed to educate visitors about solar technology.
SOURCE: Dow Corning