The Evolution of Hippy Solar Cells

I have a love-hate relationship with solar panels.

I love what they do (in theory). I hate what they look like (in actuality).

With oil prices falling along with the global economy, time will tell if renewable energy still draws the attention of our next president. That said, the solar energy industry is finally releasing itself from the shackles of outdated designs.

The biggest problem with old-school solar panels has always been the need to aim them precisely in order to get any of the sun's power into them. Hence their often haphazard placement of them with little-to-no aesthetic thought put into it.

Say goodbye to panels, and hello to adaptable and, FINALLY, more design-oriented thin-panel solutions.


While these solar coils are meant for commercial building roofs, it's easy to see how this design could be incorporated into modern building exoskeletons and even into residential buildings.

It's a step in the right direction. If mass-produced, they have the potential to be less of an eyesore, cheaper and easier to install. Assuming energy prices rise over the longer term, the economic arguments may finally develop to give building owners realistic incentives for retrofit old buildings.

The devil as always is in the details, so don't expect to see stuff like this on the massive scale we need anytime soon.

It does give hope that the technology is finally catching up with the times. It makes sense to integrate innovative solar solutions into the things we build, without having to completely sacrifice design.