Revolutionizing Solar Panels: How Aesthetic Designs Are Changing the Game

In an energy-conscious world, solar panels have become almost synonymous with renewable energy. One of the earliest breakthroughs when it came to renewable energy production, solar energy has continued to make breakthroughs as the technology becomes increasingly more advanced and sophisticated. However, one of the biggest problems the industry has faced is the lack of aesthetic appeal the panels have. However, this one company is changing the game when it comes to solar aesthetics.

Solar energy continues to rise, but aesthetics remain a concern

Today, it is far from uncommon to see solar panels lining the roofs of both private homes, businesses, and other large buildings. Since the 2010s, as the technology has become more advanced, solar panel production costs have dropped by as much as 80%, making them more accessible to be incorporated into your energy plan. Efficiency of solar panels has also increased up to 22%, making them one of the most go-to solutions to incorporate renewable energy into your home.

However, one major challenge the industry has faced in convincing consumers to adopt the technology has been the lack of aesthetic appeal the panels come with. While this is not a concern for many, for others they are seen as a major sore point to the integrity of the design of the building, particularly if many solar panels are installed either on a building’s roof or on the ground.

Part of the reason for the lack of aesthetic design on the panels is in order to maximize the photovoltaic cell potential across the panels. Typically, the panels present as either black or dark blue. Additionally, the rooftop-mounts can look somewhat clunky and out of place. However, this one company has made it their mission to ensure that design is not a problem for adoption of solar energy.

This company presents a new solar panel design

Solarix is one of those innovators who have been working towards creating solar panel designs which far surpass the traditional ‘black box’ look. Founded in 2016 by architect Marloes van Heteren and product designer Reinier Boschthe, the company was created with the belief that solar panel adoption by consumers would be greatly accelerated if more attention was given to the aesthetic design of sustainable technologies.

“Our process starts in nature and goes via the drawing board and their assembly hall to many construction projects nationally and internationally. After which we enter into partnerships with architects, developers, builders and installers,” describes Solarix on their website.

The company dubs their solar panel designs as ‘solar facades’ as a reference to the company’s unique design of integrating the panels into the outer walls of a building rather than the traditional roof or ground-mount. With 16 colors and over 76 different designs to choose from, and custom options, the company has recognized the importance of all aspects of design. The increased attention given to the aesthetics of this technology coupled with advancing its uses highlights how solar energy remains a leading player in renewable energy production.

Renewable energy continues to advance

While solar energy technologies continue to advance, so too do other forms of renewable energy. From hydro-power to wind energy, producing clean energy has continued to be the focus and priority of stakeholders around the world in order to ensure that the world reaches its carbon neutrality goals.

Wind energy has also continued to exponentially rise in developments, with wind farms being seen implemented around the world. While wind energy production is generally considered to be reserved for large energy production projects, other innovators have been investigating how to harness wind energy for use in your own home. As it stands, the most popular renewable energy products for home use still remains solar energy solutions, especially the ever-faithful solar panel.