# Shade-Solving Solar Panels Unified Solar Likely Solves the Problem of Shaded Solar Panels By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-06-11 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unified-solar References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3030921/mit-students-create-solar-panels-that-still-work-in-the-shade) & [newsoffice.mit.edu](http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/mit-team-wins-clean-energy-prize-solving-solars-shade-problem-0429) As increasing numbers of [homes are outfitted with solar panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e55000), a group of students at [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-trusses) calling themselves Unified Solar invented a panel that produces solar energy even in the shade. This solves an enormous issue because up to one third of housing is deemed unsuitable for solar panel installation due to ownership, shading and structural problems. The Clean Energy Prize-winning invention could improve the performance of [solar panels in the shade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-system1) in addition to the likelihood of more homes being able to install this environmentally friendly energy source. According to one of the Unified Solar members, even small amounts of shading on solar panels can result in a significant decrease in efficiency. While power optimizers help, they are far from an ideal solution. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Shade-solving Solar Panels:** Panel manufacturers can invest in the development of shade-solving solar panels to increase the efficiency of solar power generation in shaded environments. - **Innovative Solar Technology:** Research and development in innovative solar technology could pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective solar energy solutions. - **Environmentally-friendly Energy:** The demand for environmentally-friendly energy sources, such as solar power, is likely to increase as more consumers become aware of the benefits of clean energy solutions. ### Who This Affects Most - **Solar Panel Manufacturing:** Solar panel manufacturers can benefit by investing in the development of new technologies and materials that increase panel efficiency and usability in shaded environments. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can leverage shade-solving technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of solar power generation and distribution. - **Construction and Real Estate:** Construction and real estate companies can incorporate shade optimization technology into building designs, thereby increasing the potential for solar panel installation in shaded environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Automated Window Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorized-window-shades.md) - [User-Friendly Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-energy.md) - [Sun-Blocking Smartphone Attachments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universal-smartphone-shade.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) - [3D Solar Panel Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tipa.md) - [Light-Equipped Outdoor Sun Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/led-starry-night-sun-shade.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md)