# Architecture-Preserving Solar Tiles ZEP's Sun Roof Tiles are Appropriate for Historical Buildings By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2017-01-31 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sun-roof-tiles References: [prnewswire](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/solar-roof-tile-makes-each-roof-suitable-for-solar-energy-595603571.html) & [zepsolar](http://www.zepsolar.com/) Last fall, the Dutch company ZEP announced the debut of solar roof tiles that would allow for historical buildings to be used to harness solar energy without compromising the architectural integrity of the structure. With a growing number of cities in Europe looking for ways to go green, these new roof tiles present an innovative [eco energy solution](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion). The ZEP sun roof tiles are virtually invisible solar panels that leave the aesthetic character of a building intact. The unique design is a breakthrough when it comes to solar technology, as many owners of iconic buildings have refused to install solar panels simply because of the way it changes the look of the structure. Now, the ZEP tiles solve this problem by simply blending into the existing roofing. Already in use in the UK, Germany and throughout Scandinavia, the ZEP solar tiles help to expand the amount of buildings that can be used for [harvesting solar power](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jantzen-2). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Architecture-preserving Solar Tiles:** Solar technology that preserves the aesthetic character of historical buildings, encouraging the use of solar energy in iconic structures. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** Opportunity for companies to develop and market solar products that maintain architectural integrity. - **Historical Preservation:** Companies can offer solutions that allow for the integration of sustainable energy sources in historically significant structures. - **Construction:** Incorporating solar technology into building materials opens up new possibilities for eco-friendly construction projects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Quick-Install Solar Shingles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-shingle.md) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Rejuvenated Former Bank Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/former-bank-building.md) - [Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vineyard-building.md) - [3D Solar Panel Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tipa.md) - [Sunlight-Mimicking Panelled Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunne-lamp.md)