Michigan, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] Dow Corning this week, is set to begin construction on a plant that will manufacture monosilane gas-a key material used to manufacture thin-film solar cells in Thomas Township, Michigan. Dow Corning also plans to unveil a solar panel installation and Solar Discovery Center at its corporate headquarters in Midland, Michigan.

The Dow Corning Monosilanes facility is expected to be completed in 2011.

Located adjacent to Hemlock Semiconductor Group's, Michigan polysilicon manufacturing site, the Dow Corning Monosilanes facility will manufacture high purity monosilane, a key specialty gas used to manufacture thin-film solar cells and liquid crystal displays.

The facility represents an investment of well over US $100 million and will initially employ approximately 30 people. The Dow Corning Monosilanes facility is expected to be completed in 2011.

"This significant investment to become a leading supplier of monosilane for thin film solar technology will expand our feedstock offering and will further reinforce Dow Corning's position as a material supplier across multiple solar technologies," said Eric Peeters, global executive director, Dow Corning Solar Solutions.

The solar installation at Dow Corning headquarters features 136 solar panels and will produce approximately 30 kilowatt-hours of power to power the facilities operations.

"It is important for everyone in our community, especially students, to understand both how solar technology works and the opportunity it represents for the world," said Marie Eckstein, Dow Corning's vice president and chief administrative officer. "We would like to invite community and student groups to contact us if they're interested in seeing the solar panels and solar education center."