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!

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