What Are the Latest Innovations in Solar Power?

Article by Modus RICS (2025) | Retrofitting, Information, Technology

Curator: Alexandra Faciu

Montréal, Canada

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Why we recommend it: Solar innovations now span plug-in panels, roof tiles, fences, vehicles, windows, and paints, bringing energy generation to everyday surfaces. These decentralized solutions are affordable, visually integrated, and ideal for urban and design-sensitive settings. With IoT and AI optimization, they support sustainability goals while reducing reliance on centralized infrastructure. As costs fall and regulations evolve, solar power is becoming embedded in buildings, mobility, and consumer products, thus unlocking new opportunities for developers, investors, and climate-conscious consumers.

Key takeaways:

- Germany’s “Balkonkraftwerk” plug-in solar panels empower urban residents with affordable, DIY energy solutions. Requiring no permits or installation, these €400 units are driving grassroots adoption, 1.5 million expected by 2024. In 2023, they contributed two-thirds of Germa…