Solar panels shaped like tiles to remove one more hurdle

Green Irene likes anything that makes it easy for people to say yes to green choices. There no doubt is a group of people who would consider solar panels but just dont want to go for the panel look.

So does converting to solar energy mean covering a roof in unsightly solar panels? Not necessarily: check out the Solé tile, a roof tile designed to sustainably convert sunlight into electricity without compromising aesthetics. When installed, the system can offset a large proportion of a homeowner’s energy costs—not to mention cleaning their carbon conscience.

The Solé tiles, made from a high-performance polymer often used in car bumpers, are lightweight, unbreakable and recyclable. Flexible solar technology is embedded inside each tile, allowing them to function independently of each other. Meanwhile, the performance of the system as a whole is monitored remotely by their producer (SRS Energy) and US Tile. The dark blue tiles are currently designed to be compatible with the clay roof tiles manufactured by US Tile. SRS Energy hopes to have the tiles available nationwide in 2010.

What’s so attractive about systems like this is that it makes it easy for consumers to make a green choice, without having to settle for a product they find unappealing. The continuing increase in green product choices can help to remove the disincentives from sustainable technology.

Has the appearance of a product ever kept you from making a green change? Let us know your story in the comments below!