• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

NewHomeSource

  • Learning Center
  • Just For You
    • First Time Home Buyers
    • 55 Plus
    • International Buyers
    • For The Military
    • Single Women
  • Home Types
    • Custom Homes
    • Condos & Townhomes
    • Luxury Homes
    • Tiny Houses
    • Manufactured Homes
  • Resources
    • Home Buying Tools
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Home Affordability Calculator
    • Trustbuilder Ratings & Reviews
  • Learning Center
  • Just For You
    • First Time Home Buyers
    • 55 Plus
    • International Buyers
    • For The Military
    • Single Women
  • Home Types
    • Custom Homes
    • Condos & Townhomes
    • Luxury Homes
    • Tiny Houses
    • Manufactured Homes
  • Resources
    • Home Buying Tools
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Home Affordability Calculator
    • Trustbuilder Ratings & Reviews
Home » Green Building » The Sun Shines on Solar: Emerging Technologies for Greener New Homes

The Sun Shines on Solar: Emerging Technologies for Greener New Homes

solar panel

Like most of our current technologies, the solar industry is evolving constantly and quickly. While most of us recognize solar panels as the blueish rectangular modules that sit on rooftops, there are actually hundreds of options for every budget and style.

A powerful source of renewable energy, solar panels have been touted for decades as a clean way to power homes, businesses and even spacecraft. But how do solar panels work?

How Solar Panels Work: The Basics

Simply put, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity or thermal energy. A solar panel is made up of multiple solar cells fixed within a frame. The cells, called photovoltaic cells, are sandwiched between two layers of semi-conductive material (usually silicon) and use opposite ionic charges to establish an electrical field.

The beauty of photovoltaic cells is that they don’t require direct sunlight. They can capture any light and convert it into energy — even moonlight!

Innovations in Solar Panel Technologies

Good news for the planet and good news for you — the cost of solar is dropping nationwide. No longer an alt-technology, household names are getting in on solar. Tesla, Panasonic and LG are joining longtime players like SolarWorld, Canadian Solar and Trina. This added competition means more options, better prices and faster advancements.

Here’s what’s new in 2019 and beyond:

Double-sided solar panels

Formally known as bi-facial solar panels, double-sided panels can capture light through both surfaces of the panel. Double-sided panels have most of their aluminum backing removed, so both sides of the cells are utilized. This innovative design can capture light reflected either from the ground surface below or off of the roof.

The increased efficiency and power output means greater value for your money. Ollie Smith, CEO of UK-based price comparison websites EnergySeek and ExpertSure, says double-sided solar panel offers a 25 percent increase in output over other solar products.

Frameless solar panels

Gone are the days of ugly solar panels. As solar panels become more budget friendly, more style-conscious models are also hitting the market. Typically, homeowners have cited frames as the most unattractive part of solar panel design. In response, manufacturers have developed frameless panels that blend into the roof and come with their own dynamic mounting solution.

Clear solar panels

These innovative frameless panels are encased entirely in glass. They use the same silicon cell technology and materials of a standard panel, but instead of being mounted on an opaque backing, the cells are sandwiched between two panes of glass. Not only are they more attractive and more easily integrated into a building’s design, but clear solar panels are also more durable as well as fire-resistant. And developing fully transparent solar cells means any window or pane of glass has the potential to be turned into an energy source.

Tesla solar tiles

Leave it to Tesla to come up with an industry-revolutionizing product. Tesla solar tiles look just like a traditional roof. A single solar cell on each tile means there is no need for separate solar panels. You can choose from textured or smooth shingles, as well as slate or a Tuscan finish for your solar tiles.

According to Sarah Hancock, content marketing manager for the business review and ranking site BestCompany.com, based in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Tesla solar tiles have best-in-class ratings for hail, wind and fire. They are also backed by warranty that lasts for the lifetime of the house. The downside? Price. Hancock says a Tesla solar roof will cost around 30 percent more than a traditional roof and solar power system.

Rebecca Rosenberg headshot
Rebecca Rosenberg

Rebecca Rosenberg is a freelance copywriter, digital media strategist and world traveler. After working in marketing for some of Austin’s most beloved brands, Rebecca started her own business and left Texas behind to travel the world. You can find her currently bumming around Europe. Often flying solo, she has visited over 35 countries and lived abroad in four. In addition to being a digital nomad, Rebecca is an avid hiker, design enthusiast and certified plant nerd. She speaks English, Spanish, German and Korean.

Get our FREE guide on how the home construction process works

By downloading our guide, you can also look forward to receiving our New Home 101 short email series. You may opt out of this subscription any time you wish.

Previous Post: «Modern, black soaking tub from NINGBO AOBATH Sanitary Wares Co. 6 Bathroom Design Trends That Embrace Technology & Practicality
Next Post: 7 Design Trends Showcased in the 2019 New American Home Sleek, innovative modern home with energy efficient features»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search new homes

New Home 101

  • The Basics of Newly Built Homes
  • Why Buy a Newly Built Home
  • Shopping for Your New Home
  • Building Your New Home
  • Designing Your Dream Home
  • Buying Your New Home
  • Moving Into Your New Home
  • New Home Glossary

Footer

Quick Links

  • 55+ Communities
  • Condos & Townhomes
  • Custom Home Buyers
  • First-Time Buyers
  • Luxury Homes
  • Manufactured Homes

Related Sites & Resources

  • Learning Center
  • CasasNuevasAqui.com
  • HomLuv.com
  • Real Estate Professionals
  • NewHomeSource App
  • Trust Builder Ratings & Reviews

Helpful Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Builders: List your homes!
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Copyright © 2023 · Builders Digital Experience, LLC. All rights reserved. NewHomeSource.com is a trademark of Builders Digital Experience, LLC and all other marks are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.