Dow Corning, a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, and Crystal Solar, a solar energy venture company focusing on Direct Gas to Wafer technology, today announced their intention to develop a business relationship for the successful supply of high-performance, silicon-based materials for photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules.

The two companies also intend to assess options for developing high performance building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions for building and construction, focusing on both commercial and residential applications.

Dow Corning can provide access to high-quality trichlorosilane, specialized silicon-based materials, and supply chain consultancy to support a breakthrough manufacturing approach developed by Crystal Solar to produce monocrystalline ultra-thin silicon epi-wafers. Crystal Solar's innovative Epitaxial technology allows for high efficiency solar panels at lower costs with advanced functionality to competing approaches.