With a growing number of consumers interested in adopting a more green lifestyle, there has been a huge increase in the demand for solar roofing solutions. However, it is clear that consumers want these eco energy solutions to not only be sustainable, but to also be affordable, easy to install and aesthetically pleasing.
When it comes to making solar panels easier to install, a number of companies have developed lightweight products that reduce the amount of labor needed for installation. For instance, SunTegra has developed ultra-lightweight Solar Singles that are specially designed for direct-to-roof installation. Similarly, Solafast and Norwood are working on printed solar cells that could be easily added to rooftops without the structural burden of heavy panels.
On the other hand, many eco energy companies have sought to create solar roofing solutions that are more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional rack-mounted panels. This is particularly important when it comes to historical buildings, which cannot have their architectural integrity compromised by bulky solar panels. Some companies making solar roofing solutions that help to preserve curb appeal include GAF, SolarCity and Forward Labs.
12 Solar Roofing Innovations
From Printed Solar Cells to Sustainable Metal Roofing Solutions:
Katherine Pendrill — Feb 1, 2017 — Eco
12
Printed Solar Cells
Solafast and Norwood are Teaming Up to Print Solar Inks on to Plastic Film
11
Architecture-Preserving Solar Tiles
ZEP's Sun Roof Tiles are Appropriate for Historical Buildings
10
Solar Panel Roofing
SolarCity's 'Solar Roof' Will be a Roof Made Entirely from Solar Panels
9
Understated Solar Roofing
BIPVCo's Solar Roofing is Designed to Look Sleek and Sophisticated
8
Rooftop Energy-Storing Devices
The Enphase Lets You Store and Monitor Electricity At Home
7
Utility-Scale Solar Batteries
The JLM Phazr Battery Reduces Costs and Increases Efficiency
6
Surreptitious Solar Panels
Dyaqua's Panels are Indistinguishable from Common Building Materials
5
Roof-Integrated Solar Panels
The GAF DecoTech System is Integrated Directly into a Home's Roof
4
Lightweight Solar-Powered Shingles
The SunTegra Solar Shingles are Designed for Easy Installation
3
Solar-Powered Heating Systems
The 'SunPump' Harnesses the Power of Solar Panels to Heat Homes
2
Anti-Overheating Solar Technology
This Hybrid Solar System Captures Excess Heat From Solar Cells
1
Sustainable Metal Roofing Solutions
The Forward Roofing System is Fully Integrated into the Roof
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Ventilated Clamshell Rooftop Tents
The Falcon 3 EVO Rooftop Tent is Perfect for Summer Camping
Expanding Off-Grid Electric RVs
The Electric Transformer House is Sustainable and Luxurious
Sustainable Speaker Packaging
Sonos' Packaging Shares a Premium, User-Friendly Experience
Off-Grid Solar Energy Units
The 'Iris' Portable Solar Tracker Has an All-in-One Design
Dual-Camera Security Solutions
The eufy SoloCam S340 Has a Solar-Powered Design
Flatpack SUV Roof Tents
The HardSider HardTent Pops Up for Easy Camping from Anywhere
3D-Printed Ceramic Designs
Rameshwari Jonnalagedda Designs the Terramound Series
User-Following Speaker Concepts
The Conceptual 'Solros' Speaker by Joon-Yeol Bae is Rotational
Rotating Solar-Powered Benches
'A Solar-Powered Bench That Spins Ever So Slowly' is Interactive
Sky-Light Replicating Lighting Solutions
Nanoleaf's Sky Expansion Pack Replicates a Skylight
Origami-Inspired Sleek Cabins
A.L.P.S. Designs the Infinity Mobile Architecture System
Family-Friendly Camping Van Tents
The CloudCap Camper Van Rooftop Tent Offers Space for Two
Panoramic Roof Camper Vans
The SpaceCamper Multivan Classic+ Features the SpaceRoof
Bespoke Electric Convertibles
Cadillac Unveils its Luxurious SOLLEI Concept
Energy-Efficient 3D-Printed Homes
Haus.me Introduces Premium Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Serenely Stilted Houses
This Sustainable Tiny Home is Situated On An Elevated Platform
Posh Prefabricated Passive Houses
The GO Logic 1200 Model Has Two Bedrooms and Ample Natural Light
Self-Assembling Rooftop Tents
The Cinch 'Air Cruiser' Has a Lightweight, Inflatable Design
Ambient Energy Harvesting Planters
This Hydroponic Planter System Encourages Interaction
Weatherized Steel Pyramidal House
TW Ryan Architecture Designs the Four Roof House in Montana
Sunscreen Packaging Solutions
TerraCycle Partners With Leading Skincare Brands for Packaging
Eco-Friendly Offices
Office@27 by Sanjay Puri Architects is Enhanced by Ancient Indian Principles
Shutter-Accented Tiny Homes
The houzEKO Tiny House Offers All-Season Efficiency and Privacy
Infrared Light-Converted Warm Jackets
Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Presents the Down-Less Down Jacket
Modular Electric Surfboards
The 'Canvas' Surfboard is Stylish, Speedy and Easily Transportable
Futuristic Auto Micro Factories
Most Architecture Unveils a Modern Factory for Charge Cars
Immersive Solar-Powered Installations
Marjan van Aubel & Lexus Unveil the 8 Minutes and 20 Seconds
Organic Gradient Sunscreens
COOLA's Sunscreen Packaging Designs Convey Efficacy & Innovation
Taiwanese Steel Metal Homes
Studio Tngtetshiu Designs the Double Roof House in Tainan
Sustainable Off-Grid Minimal Cabins
Marc Thorpe Presents the Fremont House in New York
Plastic-Free Mineral Sunscreens
Sunly's SPF Sticks are Packaged in Biodegradable Cardboard Tubes
Modular Flat-Pack Side Tables
SUNRIU Design's Tai Side Table is Sustainability-Conscious
Energy-Efficient Prefabricated Homes
The 'SON.DER' Home Offers Environmentally Responsible Living
Vintage-Inspired Eclipse Posters
NASA Introduces a Series of Solar Eclipse Poster Designs
3D-Printed Stretch Ceilings
GREENFILL3D Unveiled New Sustainable PVC Film Ceiling Solutions
Eco-Friendly Bio-Composite Roof Tiles
Studio SKLIM's Lo-Hi Tech Project with Solar Paneling
Solar Powered Wireless Speakers
Urbanista Designs the New Waterproof Malibu Speakers
Bendable Bio-Inspired Materials
The HygroShell is a Self-Constructing Timber Building System
Solar Panel-Paired Rooftop Tents
The Jackery Solar Generator for Rooftop Tent is at CES 2024
Solar-Powered Charging Robots
The Conceptual Solar Mars Bot Provides Power to Charge Up Solutions
Self-Sufficient Housing Solutions
The 'Hillcrest House' is Entirely Solar-Powered
Cooling Bus Shelter Designs
EMT Madrid Spearheads the Quest for Comfortable Public Transportation
DIY Solar Oven Guides
Reclaim Design Shows How to Construct a Working Solar Oven for €77.13
Lateral Rooftop Cargo Racks
The 'ACS Roof' Offers Unencumbered Access to Well-Protected Gear
Mass-Timber Airport Rooftops
ZGF Architects Completes the Portland International Airport Expansion
Solar-Powered Compact Houseboats
Crossboundaries Designs the Fàng Sōng Boat with a Solar Panel
Futuristic Angular Luxe Campers
Living Vehicle Designs the CyberTrailer with an Angular Form
Solar Panel Luxe Superyachts
Centrostyle Design Unveils the New Dynamic Flame Superyacht
Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles
The 'Ada' Autonomous Vehicle Concept is Passively Charged
Towable Solar-Powered Offices
The Work Mate by Tiny Mobile Australia Brings the Office Anywhere
Pastel Tonal Acoustic Panels
BAUX Presents the New Origami Acoustic Bio Panel Colors
Solar Panel-Covered Scooters
The Lightfoot Scooter Uses Solar Power for 18-Miles of Range
Paper-Inspired Artful Museums
Bjarke Ingels Group Designed the Museum for Papirkunst
Energy-Efficient Office Buildings
This Czech Office Complex is Outfitted With Eco-Friendly Designs
Vertical Bathroom Drying Installations
Gordan Presents the New Towel Rack with a Sleek Visual
Transparent Plant-Based Membranes
YutoEco Unveils the Sustainable Cellulose Substrate Packaging
Continuous Energy Capture Systems
This Soleolico 3D-Printed Wind Turbine Works Around the Clock
Sustainable Paneling Designs
Luigi Iacucci Introduces Inspiring Lines at Milan Design Week 2024
Solar Rainwater-Storing Roofs
Researchers in the Netherlands are Developing 'Blue-Green Roofs'
Off-Grid Oceanside Homes
Campos Studio Designs a Sculptural Cliffside Home in Mexico
Productive Mood Lighting Designs
Teixeira Design Studio Presents Moody Lighting for Gantri
Low-Cost Battery Alternatives
MIT Scientists Develop Efficient Energy Storage System
3-in-1 Meal Packaging Solutions
Coveris Debuts Hot-to-Go Packs with Eco-Friendly Design Practices
Colored Glass Solar Panels
inQs Beautiful Solar Panels Look Like Stain Glass
Solar-Powered Cargo Bikes
The Inga from Infinite Mobility Promises Free Charging via Solar Energy
Tech-Rich Gardening Facilities
This Soli Organic Vertical Farm is Expansive and Ultra-Advanced
Sunlight Simulating Shades
Hunter Douglas Presents the Progressive Aura Illuminating Shades
Color-Changing Construction Coatings
This Coating Changes Color In Response to Temperature
Adventurous Compact Tiny Homes
Madeiguinco Designs the Pego with a Solar Panel Set Up
Upward-Pitched Roof Homes
O'Neill McVoy Architects Designs a New Z-Shaped Home in Houston
User-Friendly Solar Panels
Kunal Girotra Introduces the Sustainable Lunar Energy System
Regional Glass Manufacturing Solutions
Kingdom & Co. Launches Raven Glass Windows and Doors
Adaptive Interior EV Models
The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric Has a Solarbay Panoramic Roof
Hyper-Efficient Thermal Batteries
These Carbon Batteries Can Store & Transmit Clean Energy
Bendable Battery Designs
Anthro Energy's Flexible Battery Was Showcased at the Beacon Exhibition
Innovative Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights
AiDot Released the Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Spotlight
Rollable Rooftop Cargo Racks
The 'Twistbox' Can Be Rolled Into a Compact Cylinder When Not In Use
Sustainable Outdoor Kitchen Designs
Ecoscape Has Introduced a New Range of Outdoor Kitchens
Tire-Crafted Solar Stills
The Floating Solar Still is an Eco-Friendly Way to Purify Water
Multifunctional Circular Housing Blocks
Gensler's EVE Park Design has Integrated EV Parking Towers
Zero-Emission Solar-Powered Aircrafts
The Falcon Horizon by Laszlo Nemeth Runs on Solar Power
Diamond-Shaped Paneled Homes
Reigo and Bauer Design the Neville Park Home in Toronto
Disaster-Prepared Electric Vans
Japanese Automaker HW Electro Unveils a Solar-Powered Electric Van
Recycling-Centric Waterfront Homes
Measured Architecture Designs the Shor House Project
Alternative Copper Solar Panels
SunDrive is Creating Solar Panels with No Silver Included
Sustainable Acoustic Lighting Designs
atelier oï and Impact Acoustic Design the Oloïd Light
Environmentally Blending Residences
A Threshold Studio Designs the Ineffable Light Home
Petite Solar-Powered EVs
The 'Buggy' is a Micro Vehicle That Offers Comfortably Compact Motoring
Cooling Vehicle Paint Technology
Nissan is Exploring a New Paint Technology to Improve Performance
Tinted Lightweight Sunscreens
Riversol Boasts the SPF 30 Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Eco-Friendly Cafe Vehicles
This Conceptual Solar-Powered Coffee Truck Operates Anywhere
3D Solar Panel Modules
The TIPA Design is Made with a Chamber of Mirrors to Maximize Energy
Expansive Battery Technology Ranges
The Latest EcoFlow Power Solutions Include Four Options
Reinforced Window Solutions
REHAU's ARTEVO™ Tilt-Turn Windows and Doors Maximize Energy Savings
Juxtaposing Garden Home Designs
Studio North Designs the Custom Garden Garage in Calgary
Solar-Powered Pest Lanterns
Techko Group Debuts the Solar Zapper Lantern for Pest Control
Adaptable Plastic Alternatives
2M Group is Unveiling a Plastic Alternative for the Supply Chain
Community Hub Timber Pavilions
The Craft Not Carbon Pavilion Raises in London's Park
Sustainable Warm Parka Designs
Patagonia Presents a Look at the Eco-Friendly Stormshadow Parka
Sustainable Vivid Installations
Durat Unveils the PORTA DEI COLORI Installation
Stunning Solar Art Installations
The Arco del Tiempo Works as a Sundial and for Energy Generating
Eco-Friendly Window Glasses
'EcoMAX Glass' from ClaytonGlass is Sustainable and Insulated
Corrugated Winery Sawtooth Roofs
COA Arquitectura Designs the Tierra Tinta Winery Roof
Durable Land Cruiser Kits
The Slimline II Roof Rack Kit is Built for the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Temperature-Regulating Curtains
Moondream's Thermal Blackout Curtains are Chic and Sustainable
Expansive School Bamboo Canopies
CollectiveProject Creates a Canopy at Talaricheruvu Rural School
Solar-Powered 5G Surveillance Cameras
Flock Safety Solar Condor Cameras Can Be Installed Anywhere
Perforated Light-Passing Art Installations
The Volvo Circle Pavilion Uses Tyvek Facades
Earthy Tonal Tiled Sheds
LMNL Office Designs the Studio Shed in Brabant, the Netherlands
Cutout Roof Cement-Clad Homes
Edition Office Designs a Home with a Focus on Tree Views
Smart Glass Coating Materials
'Albotherm' Offers a Glass Coating that can Automatically Adjust
Sustainable Cold Shipping Systems
The Carrier Transicold Solar Charging Systems are Efficient
Waved Metal-Wrapped Buildings
SO-IL Designs the 9 Chapel Residences Located in Brooklyn
Sunlight-Reflecting Paints
Stanford University Researchers Develop an Innovative Color Paint
Outdoor-Centric Smart Televisions
Samsung Presents the Terrace Full Sun Television
Solar Grown Honey Lines
Clif Family's Solar Grown™ Honey is Delicious and Sustainable
450-W Solar Panel Modules
Recom Debuts a New Black Bifacial Module with a 30-Year Warranty
Solar Cell Cycling Paths
These Dutch Cycling Paths Are Sheathed In Photovoltaic Cells
Solar System-Inspired Lighting Series
LFD Official Presents the COSMOOVAL Lamp Series
Solar Panel Angle Calculators
The Solar Angle Calculator Shows the Optimal Position
Building-Cooling Construction Materials
Nuvoco Vistas Launches an Eco-Friendly Product Material
Solar-Powered Golf Carts
LOBO EV Marks Its Third Successful Export of Golf Carts to the U.S.
Cabana Canopy Collections
StruXure Launches a Series of New Canopies for Its Cabana X Product
White Wood Wine Labels
The Label Makers Introduces a New Halfpenny Green Wine Label
Sand Dune-Inspired Wall Panels
Gabriel Tan Designs the Sahara Wall Panels with Organic Lines
Eco-Conscious Floor Tiles
Alusid Unveils its New Sustainable Floor Tiles Made of Recycled Content
Reflective Mountain-Based Shelters
Senorer Tammerle Architekten Updates the Shelter Santerpass
Mirrored Steel Solar Farms
Bilgin Architects Designs the Central Control Building in Turkey
Sustainable Illumination Systems
STG Debuts a Sustainably Made Emergency Floor Path Marking System
Paper-Like Art Museum Roofs
BIG Expands the Museum for Paper Art in Denmark with a Folded Roof
Dynamic Interactive Lighting Installations
Zava Designs a New Light and Metal Installation
Sustainable Filament Providers
'Terrafilum' Offers Eco-Friendly Solutions for Clients' 3D Printing
Renewable ESV Storage Racks
EnerVenue Unveils tEnergy Rack for Renewable Energy Storage
Low-Emissivity Glass Panels
Pilkington Optitherm Glass Reduces Outside Heat Transfer
Roofing Underlayment Lines
DuPont Launches the New Tyvek® Protec™ PSU Peel and Stick Underlayment
Eco-Friendly Building Materials
SSAB and Firth Steels are Partnering to Create Sustainable Steel
Tree-Inspired Panelled Workspaces
Hood Design Studio Creates a New Campus in Silicon Valley
Telecom Infrastructure Shelters
Panel Built Inc. Recently Introduced Telecom Shelters to Its Range
Stealthy Sloped Roof Trailers
Ridgeline Tiny Homes Designs the Sun Valley Model