BLOG
search

Unique solar panel designs

Adrienne SorensenAugust 29, 2018 1311 0

Unique solar panel designs 

What new technologies can we expect for solar panels in 2018? We will discuss all of the new developments with photovoltaic solar panels, including new aesthetics like clear solar panels that turn windows and buildings into power plants. What are the new solar panel designs and aesthetics? Many homeowners considering solar are looking for a product that will both generate energy and offer a stylish and aesthetic improvement for their property. In response, solar panel manufacturers are developing new solutions to give solar the makeover homeowners have been asking for.
 

Frameless panels 

A major factor in the critique of solar’s aesthetic is the solar panel frame, which many homeowners find to be the least attractive part of a PV panel. To solve that problem, major manufacturers are producing frameless solar modules. The hardest part is the lack of sturdy framing holing everything in place. As a result, manufacturers are producing specialized mounting apparatus to match their frameless panels.
 

Translucent solar panels

Many frameless panel designs are entirely enclosed in one material, typically glass. Glass solar panels use the same silicon cell technology and materials of a standard panel, but rather than being mounted on an opaque backing material, the cells are sandwiched between two glass casings. In most scenarios, glass panels are bi-facial, but we will save that concept for later in the article. Glass solar panels are an innovation in multiple ways because, in addition to being more visually attractive, glass panels are more durable than a typical silicon cell panel. These panels are known to be significantly more resistant to fire hazard and are also less prone to erosion. Though glass-on-glass panels are often integrated into a skylight or building window (as in the image below), they are not truly building-integrated photovoltaics because they are attached to the building rather than incorporated into the building envelope.
 

Solar skin 

Sistine Solar, a Boston-based design firm, is making big strides with the concept of rooftop solar panels with a customized look. The MIT startup has created a solar skin product that allows solar panels to be painted different colors to either blend in or stand out depending on what the homeowner wants. For example, the startup’s PV skins allow the panels to directly match the color and aesthetic of its roof shingles without interfering with panel efficiency or output. Sistine Solar’s skin product is expected to hit U.S. markets later this year. Whatever the future holds, it will be interesting to see the continuing developments in solar panel design.

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years. For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

Solar system price checker

Comments

Design Your Solar Home

START

12 3

Input your address to see if it is solar friendly and how much you can save with solar.

Great. Your address is perfect for solar. Solar incentive is still available. Select monthly utility cost and calculate the size of solar system you will need now.

Whoa ! Going solar is definitely a smart decision.

kw System size years Payback period Lifetime savings

No money down, 100% finance is available.

Looking to join a solar community? Sign up now and we will find them for you.

Do not show this information again.