# Modular Solar Panels These Researchers Designed a Heliostat That is Lightweight and Inexpensive By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-09-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-solar References: [magazine.good.is](http://magazine.good.is/articles/helio-100-heliostat-solar-power-south-africa) & [helio100.sun.ac.za](http://helio100.sun.ac.za/) A team of researchers from South Africa’s Stellenbosch University recently designed a set of modular solar panels that are significantly less expensive to produce than current models. While many companies have begun investing in [renewable energy and solar-powered devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-technology), few have been able to produce a system that is inexpensive enough for the average consumer. This new device helps make solar-power a more accessible form of technology around the world. The new device is called 'Helio100' and consists of a series of modular solar panels. The unique design of the panels makes them lighter and easier to transport than existing models. The inexpensive panels are intended for [small and localized installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-solar-tracker), which makes them ideal for households and small buildings. The new technology is particularly important for rapidly growing countries that are currently facing rising energy demands. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Modular Solar Panels:** Modular solar panels offer a cost-effective and accessible solution for renewable energy. - **Inexpensive Solar Power:** Developing lightweight and inexpensive solar panels opens up opportunities for widespread adoption of solar energy. - **Localized Solar Installations:** The modular design of solar panels allows for easy installation in households and small buildings, promoting decentralized energy production. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can embrace modular solar panels as a disruptive innovation to make solar power more affordable and accessible. - **Construction and Architecture:** The construction and architecture industry can explore the use of lightweight and inexpensive solar panels to integrate sustainable energy solutions in buildings. - **Emerging Markets:** In rapidly growing countries with rising energy demands, localized solar installations present an opportunity for disruptive innovation in meeting power needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Modular Solar Power Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-solar-power-system.md) - [3D Solar Panel Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tipa.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [User-Friendly Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-energy.md) - [Solar Powered Compact Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e55000.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md)