Monochrome Launches "Roof–1e" Integrated Roof Solar Panel – A New Model Prioritizing Balance Between Design and Price
Monochrome Inc. is set to launch "Roof–1e", a new model of integrated roof solar panel, in April 2026. This model balances aesthetic design with affordability, offering a 30% reduction in price compared to previous models, achieving a price point similar to general mounted solar panels.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 19:09 (8h 37m after Collected)
Monochrome Inc. (Headquarters: Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Yusuke Umeda) will begin sales of "Roof–1e", a new model of the integrated roof solar panel "Roof–1", from April 2026.
Roof–1e is designed with an emphasis on balancing aesthetic design, which is important for integrated roof solar panels, with price. It offers a more realistic option for homes that have found it difficult to consider installing solar panels due to budget reasons, despite valuing design.
In conjunction with the launch of this product, a viewing event for construction companies and house builders will be held on May 20th and 21st, 2026.
Background of Development
The flagship model of the integrated roof solar panel Roof–1 series, "Roof–1 (black)", has been increasingly adopted, primarily in architectural projects that prioritize design. However, there were cases where the decision to introduce it was divided during considerations that included design conditions and cost balance.
Monochrome has developed the new model "Roof–1e" as a more affordable option, inheriting the philosophy of integrating solar panels as part of the architecture, while considering the balance of installation conditions.
Features of Roof–1e
Roof–1e has reduced the unit price per watt by approximately 37% compared to Roof–1 (black) by reviewing manufacturing processes, structure, and raw materials.
Compared to the conventional Roof–1 (black), the busbars are visible on the surface, but when viewed as an entire roof, they are not significantly noticeable, maintaining an appearance that blends naturally with the roof from a distance. This product offers a realistic choice for those who did not choose general solar panels due to aesthetic reasons.
Differences between Roof–1 (black) and Roof-1e
Roof-1 (black) | Roof-1e
---|---
Unit price per watt (excl. tax) *1: ¥245,000/kW | ¥155,000/kW
Product warranty *2: 20 years | 15 years
Coating material: Fluororesin paint | Polyester resin paint
*1 For Full Size standard specifications
*2 Warranty period for use in areas more than 500m from the coast. The warranty period differs for use in coastal areas.
Comment from Yusuke Umeda, Representative Director of Monochrome Inc.
"The conventional Roof–1 (black), like other integrated roof solar panels, had the challenge of being more expensive than general mounted systems. To make Roof–1 truly 'the standard for roofs,' we developed the new model 'Roof–1e' with a thorough focus on price. Roof–1e suppresses the price by about 30% compared to the conventional model, achieving a price range almost equivalent to general mounted solar panels + metal roofing. We would be delighted if as many people as possible use it and we can create 'scenery we want to preserve for the future' together."
Product Specifications and Warranty
Long-term output warranty for peace of mind in heavy snowfall and coastal areas
Roof–1e modules are designed with the basic performance of integrated roof solar panels and for long-term use. We conduct unique durability tests to ensure durability against various impacts and erosion, such as wind and rain, hail generated by sudden thunderstorms, impact from birds and beasts, and salt water in coastal areas.
In addition, because of its modular design, if damage occurs, only the damaged module can be replaced.
For details on warranty content, please refer to the warranty terms.
Please see our website for product details.
対応 to Renovation
Roof–1 allows for roof renovation using both the cover method* and re-roofing. Experts will propose the optimal construction method according to the building's condition and your requests.
*The cover method is a construction method where a lightweight roof is placed over an existing roof. It saves the trouble and cost of peeling off and disposing of the old roof, reducing construction costs and duration.
Monochrome's Product Lineup
Monochrome has developed solar panel products that are compatible with architectural design, including the integrated roof solar panel "Roof–1 (black)". "Roof–1e" is a new model joining the lineup as an option that prioritizes the balance between design and price.
Guidance for Roof–1e Viewing Event (for construction companies and house builders)
In conjunction with the launch of "Roof–1e", Monochrome will hold a viewing event for construction companies and house builders who are considering adopting this product.
This viewing event is for construction companies and house builders who usually adopt solar panels, to see the actual product and learn about the installation as an integrated roof solar panel.
Roof–1e is designed with an emphasis on balancing aesthetic design, which is important for integrated roof solar panels, with price. It offers a more realistic option for homes that have found it difficult to consider installing solar panels due to budget reasons, despite valuing design.
In conjunction with the launch of this product, a viewing event for construction companies and house builders will be held on May 20th and 21st, 2026.
Background of Development
The flagship model of the integrated roof solar panel Roof–1 series, "Roof–1 (black)", has been increasingly adopted, primarily in architectural projects that prioritize design. However, there were cases where the decision to introduce it was divided during considerations that included design conditions and cost balance.
Monochrome has developed the new model "Roof–1e" as a more affordable option, inheriting the philosophy of integrating solar panels as part of the architecture, while considering the balance of installation conditions.
Features of Roof–1e
Roof–1e has reduced the unit price per watt by approximately 37% compared to Roof–1 (black) by reviewing manufacturing processes, structure, and raw materials.
Compared to the conventional Roof–1 (black), the busbars are visible on the surface, but when viewed as an entire roof, they are not significantly noticeable, maintaining an appearance that blends naturally with the roof from a distance. This product offers a realistic choice for those who did not choose general solar panels due to aesthetic reasons.
Differences between Roof–1 (black) and Roof-1e
Roof-1 (black) | Roof-1e
---|---
Unit price per watt (excl. tax) *1: ¥245,000/kW | ¥155,000/kW
Product warranty *2: 20 years | 15 years
Coating material: Fluororesin paint | Polyester resin paint
*1 For Full Size standard specifications
*2 Warranty period for use in areas more than 500m from the coast. The warranty period differs for use in coastal areas.
Comment from Yusuke Umeda, Representative Director of Monochrome Inc.
"The conventional Roof–1 (black), like other integrated roof solar panels, had the challenge of being more expensive than general mounted systems. To make Roof–1 truly 'the standard for roofs,' we developed the new model 'Roof–1e' with a thorough focus on price. Roof–1e suppresses the price by about 30% compared to the conventional model, achieving a price range almost equivalent to general mounted solar panels + metal roofing. We would be delighted if as many people as possible use it and we can create 'scenery we want to preserve for the future' together."
Product Specifications and Warranty
Long-term output warranty for peace of mind in heavy snowfall and coastal areas
Roof–1e modules are designed with the basic performance of integrated roof solar panels and for long-term use. We conduct unique durability tests to ensure durability against various impacts and erosion, such as wind and rain, hail generated by sudden thunderstorms, impact from birds and beasts, and salt water in coastal areas.
In addition, because of its modular design, if damage occurs, only the damaged module can be replaced.
For details on warranty content, please refer to the warranty terms.
Please see our website for product details.
対応 to Renovation
Roof–1 allows for roof renovation using both the cover method* and re-roofing. Experts will propose the optimal construction method according to the building's condition and your requests.
*The cover method is a construction method where a lightweight roof is placed over an existing roof. It saves the trouble and cost of peeling off and disposing of the old roof, reducing construction costs and duration.
Monochrome's Product Lineup
Monochrome has developed solar panel products that are compatible with architectural design, including the integrated roof solar panel "Roof–1 (black)". "Roof–1e" is a new model joining the lineup as an option that prioritizes the balance between design and price.
Guidance for Roof–1e Viewing Event (for construction companies and house builders)
In conjunction with the launch of "Roof–1e", Monochrome will hold a viewing event for construction companies and house builders who are considering adopting this product.
This viewing event is for construction companies and house builders who usually adopt solar panels, to see the actual product and learn about the installation as an integrated roof solar panel.