SolarSkin FAQ

About SolarSkin

What is SolarSkin?

SolarSkin is a patented printed film that puts logos, colors and patterns on standard solar panels. It was designed by MIT engineers and developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot program.

What is Sistine Solar?

Sistine Solar makes SolarSkin. The idea started at MIT in 2012, SolarSkin launched commercially in 2016, and the company is based in Wakefield, Massachusetts. It works on commercial projects: businesses, brands, schools and public buildings.

Can you put a company logo on solar panels?

Yes. SolarSkin prints the logo on a film that goes over the panels before they’re mounted. A logo can cover the whole array or only some of its panels. More on solar panel branding.

Can solar panels match a building’s color or design?

Yes. SolarSkin can be a solid color or a pattern chosen to blend with the building, as well as a logo.

Can you print designs directly onto solar panels?

Some manufacturers make panels with colored or printed glass. SolarSkin works differently: the design is printed on a film that covers a standard panel, so the installer can use the panels they already specify.

What are the alternatives to SolarSkin?

Colored panels and building-integrated solar change the panel itself, which typically means choosing a specialty product. Landscaping and screening hide panels instead of changing how they look. SolarSkin changes the look of standard panels.

Performance

Does SolarSkin reduce how much electricity panels produce?

Yes, somewhat. Sistine’s figures put energy yield at 98 to 99% of the bare panel’s output with partial coverage, 92% with half coverage and 85% with full coverage. Panels without film lose nothing.

How long does SolarSkin last?

SolarSkin passed IEC 61215 durability testing at NREL. IEC 61215 is the standard durability test for solar panels.

Does SolarSkin reduce glare?

Yes. Its matte finish scatters the sunlight that glossy panel glass reflects. More on solar glare reduction.

Buying and installing

How much does it cost to put a logo on solar panels?

SolarSkin is priced per panel covered, so the cost follows how many panels the design covers. The installer who applies the film bills you separately. Request a quote with your panel count for a number, or read how SolarSkin pricing works.

Who installs SolarSkin?

A certified graphics installer applies SolarSkin to the panels before they’re mounted. You arrange the installer, and we’ll point you to 3M’s list of certified installers. Your solar installer then mounts and wires the panels as usual.

Do you work with solar installers?

Yes. Installers add SolarSkin to commercial projects for clients who want a logo, colors or less glare. More for solar installers.

Can SolarSkin go on panels that are already installed?

Only if they come down. SolarSkin is applied before mounting, so the best time is while a project is being designed.

Which panels does SolarSkin work with?

The panels your installer already uses. SolarSkin isn’t tied to one panel maker.