IKEA sparks excitement after launching roofless solar panel kits: 'Have wanted something like this forever'
In an exciting move for eco-conscious homeowners, T3 reported that IKEA has launched a new solar panel system designed for balconies.
It promises an easy, affordable way to harness solar energy without the complicated installation or other costs often associated with traditional systems.
The starter package includes two 450-watt solar panels and uses a "plug-and-play" system, which will appeal to people who want solar energy without the hassle.
There's also the option to add smart meters and plugs to monitor usage, offering users a way to view and control how much energy they're generating.
For reference, a single 450-watt panel can generate enough energy to power small appliances without much of an issue, according to EnergySage.
These IKEA panels are only available in Germany, but the company has suggested that it's a starting point, with plans to bring the kits to other markets soon.
What's most exciting about this development is the price. Solar panels have long been synonymous with high upfront costs, but IKEA is offering a more approachable option.
With a system priced at €449 — a little over $500 USD — the company has opened the door for more people to adopt clean, affordable energy, and that could make all the difference in tackling both energy bills and pollution.
The environmental benefits are clear. Harnessing solar power not only reduces household energy costs, but it also helps cut down on the pollution created by traditional energy sources, such as burning coal.
Which of these factors is the biggest obstacle preventing you from getting solar panels?
The upfront cost
The way they look
Not sure where to start
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Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
It's clear that this launch has struck a chord with many people eager to make the switch to cleaner energy without the complexity.
One Reddit user summed it up perfectly: "I can't wait until this is available in the U.S. (hopefully). We have a second floor condo in Philadelphia and rooftop solar isn't feasible with our neighbors rooftop deck. [We] have wanted something like this forever to reduce our dirty energy consumption and dependency."
For anyone who's interested in solar energy but unsure where to start, EnergySage offers a free platform to help people compare quotes and explore installation options.
And if you've been thinking about installing solar, now is the time to act. The federal Investment Tax Credit, which offers a 30% tax incentive on solar panel installations, ends on December 31, 2025.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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Growth is driven by advancements in robotics and AI, which enable machines to function more autonomously and to be contextually aware. The increasing presence of smart assistants and service robots in consumer markets further bolsters this trend, making AI-powered devices commonplace in homes for cleaning, security, and caregiving tasks. Moreover, embodied AI contributes to improving autonomous systems by enhancing real-world mobility, empowering robots and vehicles to understand and navigate intricate surroundings. Mobile robots are projected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period The mobile robots segment is expected to grow at a high rate with increasing demand across industries for autonomous and flexible solutions that can navigate complex environments. Mobile robots, powered by embodied AI, can sense, process, and respond to their surroundings in real time, making them ideal for warehouses, hospitals, retail stores, and public spaces. Mobile robots are being deployed for tasks like material handling, inventory tracking, indoor delivery, and facility monitoring. Their ability to move freely and make intelligent decisions significantly enhances workflow automation and productivity, driving market growth. Industrial automation vertical to hold largest market share in 2025 The industrial automation vertical holds the largest market share in the embodied AI market driven by the increasing demand for intelligent robotic systems that can perform complex, repetitive, and hazardous tasks with precision. Embodied AI enables machines to understand context, navigate dynamic factory settings, and make real-time operational decisions, which is vital for tasks such as autonomous inspection, flexible assembly, and collaborative handling. 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Yaskawa Electric Corporation Fanuc Corporation Tesla Agility Robotics Figure Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation Hanson Robotics Ltd. 1X Technologies Engineai Shanghai Agibot Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. Anybotics Ghostrobotics Universal Robots A/S Bear Robotics, Inc. Apptronik Nuro, Inc. Unitree Robotics Wayve Fourier For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.