Michigan State University’s technology sounds amazing because it can turn almost any window into a power generator. However, there’s an inherent trade-off: allowing light to pass through the window means not absorbing the visible energy needed to generate electricity, which limits energy efficiency.
What may be even more promising are “balcony” solar panels. These systems can plug into existing outlets and feed electricity directly into a home, making solar generation possible without installing a traditional rooftop system. They’re becoming increasingly popular around the world.
Unfortunately, in the U.S., some utilities and regulatory policies are restricting or limiting their use.
Solar shingles have also been developed as an alternative to conventional rooftop solar panels. However, they have struggled to gain widespread market acceptance because integrating the solar technology into the roof can make it difficult to provide the same 20–30-year roofing warranty and long-term durability that traditional roofing systems can offer. The lack of a long-term guarantee can also make it more difficult to obtain the necessary homeowners insurance and mortgage approval, potentially creating complications when it comes time to sell the home.
This also applies to traditional rooftop solar panels. Solar panels do not replace the underlying roofing system, and replacing a roof after solar panels have been installed can be prohibitively expensive because the panels typically have to be removed and reinstalled.
In addition, some rooftop solar companies advertise “free installation,” but the homeowner may not actually own the system. Instead, the company retains ownership and places the homeowner under a long-term lease or power-purchase agreement. These agreements can complicate the sale of the property because the solar contract may need to be transferred to the buyer or paid off before the transaction can close.