There are few homeowners who would complain about a smaller utility bill. Solar panels have the power to reduce or even eliminate your dependence on the power company, but they’re not everyone’s idea of a beautiful home improvement. Although we’ve come a long way from the huge, box-like panels of twenty years ago, roof-top panels can still seem like more trouble than they’re worth. Most require professional installation and make some homeowners uneasy about roof damage.

SolTech, a Swedish company specializing in solar energy solutions, recently won an award for a new twist on the traditional panel. The company’s unique glass roof tiles allow homeowners to capitalize on the sun’s thermal energy without costing too much or requiring the addition of bulky panels.