Midland-based Dow Chemical is announcing the latest in energy independence, the Powerhouse Solar Shingle. Roofers install the solar shingles just like regular asphalt shingles. They are due to be available in 2010 and readily available in 2011.

Dow Chemical says, it’s the first affordable, neighborhood-friendly solar shingle. With it, the company says, it’ll create jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Dow CEO Andrew Liveris says, “Michigan does have manufacturing capability, and Michigan, especially Dow, has research capability. So I’m very keen to work with Lansing and for that matter, Washington, to keep bringing jobs here.”