Solar panels designed with attractive patterns to win over Nimbys who don’t like industrial look, and 5 installations, from Singapore to Dubai, that showcase elegance
- Designers are creating solar installations covered with striking patterns or that blend subtly with existing architecture to mollify critics of the arrays’ look
- Though equipment modified to look more appealing produces less electricity, the products are likely to be adopted in higher volumes and so will be beneficial
Plans to add tens of millions of solar panels across the rooftops of the world face a common challenge – opposition from residents who view the modules as an eyesore.
That’s why designers including Netherlands-based Kiki van Eijk are focused on delivering energy arrays emblazoned with striking patterns, or equipment that blends subtly with existing nature or architecture, in an attempt to win over critics who worry that adopting clean energy means souring the appeal of their neighbourhood.
“Solar panels don’t need to look industrial and clean,” said van Eijk, whose designs with partner Joost van Bleiswijk for solar roof tiles and facade modules feature imagery of sunset tones, raindrops, brushstrokes and leaves. “They have a soul.”
Initial small-scale samples are currently being installed in homes in the Netherlands, with larger deployments planned for 2023.
Public opposition to conventional rectangular and black arrays is becoming a more serious risk to efforts to accelerate adoption of zero-emission electricity generation, particularly as policymakers consider mandating the installation of solar panels in homes and industrial facilities.