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 have a distinguished look that c
an either draw attention to or minimize the look of solar modules on your roof. 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 in 2018.
Solar Roads | Giant Solar Panels
Last summer paved the way for tests of an exciting new PV technology – solar powered roads. The sidewalks along Route 66, America’s historic interstate highway, were chosen as the testing location for solar-powered pavement tech. These roadways are heralded for their ability to generate clean energy, but they also include LED bulbs that can light roads at night and have the thermal heating capacity to melt snow during winter weather. The next stop following sidewalk tests is to install these roadways on designated segments of Route 66.