ImpactAlpha, August 21 – Most rooftop solar projects are installed on a building as a clean energy upgrade. Estonia-based Solarstone has developed a new kind of solar panel that can be built directly into a property.
The company makes interlocking solar panels that snap into roof tiles and shingles, which the company says improves the building aesthetic over traditional mounted panels. This type of technology, known as building integrated photovoltaic, or BIPV, is on the rise in the solar sector. It has the potential to increase the buildings’ solar energy generating capacity by fitting into facade design, as well as on rooftops, which increases the surface area capturing sunlight for energy use.
Also, with new aesthetic designs, integrated panels and solar tiles can be used to upgrade historic buildings, which typically have strict modification restrictions. Solarstone’s panels have been used on 100 properties in Estonia.
Solar project developer and solar tech investor Sunly invested an undisclosed amount of capital in Solarstone to support the company’s expansion to other European markets.
