The Solar Trade Association (STA) has officially launched the Stunning Solar campaign - a new push to raise awareness of how the latest rooftop solar technology can produce 'beautiful and aesthetically pleasing' installations.

A combination of inspired design, building integrated products and mounting systems that sit flush with the existing roof are creating more sleek and attractive solar rooftops on both domestic and commercial properties.

Paul Barwell, chief executive officer of the STA, said: "First impressions are everything, and that applies to houses just as much as people. Stunning Solar shows that solar can increase the 'kerb appeal' of a home, as well as making it cheaper and more eco-friendly to a household or business.

“We want to see solar become a desirable consumer product. There is mounting evidence that homebuyers are willing to pay more for a solar home and systems with symmetry, architectural integration and sensitive positioning and sizing are more likely to do just that. As Stunning Solar demonstrates, solar can be a tasteful and beautiful improvement to buildings of all shapes and sizes."

The UK is a market leader in niche building integrated solar PV products such as solar glass and solar tiles that blend in seamlessly with traditional slate roofs.

Mr Barwell continued: "When done carefully and with the right roofing techniques, solar can be incorporated into buildings old and new. We want to challenge the industry to improve aesthetics so that every solar install, whether on a home or a commercial building, becomes an advert for our sunshine technology."

Examples of Stunning Solar installations and a downloadable pamphlet about the campaign can be downloaded from the STA website.