Thermeleon Color Changing Energy Saving Roof Tiles

Chalk this one up to: “how the heck didn’t someone think of this before?” But the best ideas are usually the simplest solutions to a problem. MIT seems adept at this. Hence, the color changing energy saving roof tiles, code named Thermeleon. Almost sounds like a song.

The idea is hilariously simple: Make a phase changing polymer gel that changes color with temperature. In hot weather, the gel becomes white and reflects the sun’s rays. In cold temperatures, the gel becomes transparent to reveal a sun absorbing backing. And that becomes like a hot parking lot on a sweltering, sunny day. You get the idea. Thermeleon is looking to do some production – and make some real green!