Solar roof panels may start out in your mind's eyes as pure ugly! The main reason for that though, is that we just plain and simple do not accept change very easily. Were all used to looking at a shingle roof. Were just not yet used to seeing panels on roof tops. I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way, until I started weighing out the benefits.
I look at kind of like trucks and cars. I remember when the Dodge Ram first came out. I said "that's the ugliest truck that I have ever seen" I've owned three of them now! Not only did they grow on me, I fell in love with them. They are the best darn trucks that I've ever owned. I'm not really sure how it all started. Maybe because 'It had a hemi in it'! I'm not sure. The point is this, when you get benefits from something, a truck, a car, or in this case, independence and money savings, ugly has a way of disappearing and it starts looking pretty good!
There are options though. They actually make solar shingle, that look like shingles. You can also install your panels on a part of your roof that's not in eye site of the street, provided of course that side of your house get's direct sun light. You can also make a solar panel rack system that sit's in your yard. I've seen some pretty elaborate systems that actually follow the sun for maximum efficiency. You could also install them on another building, if you have one.
The bottom line is this. In the not too distant future, you will see solar roof panels popping up all over the place. The advantages are just too great, as compared to the aesthetic appeal. Cutting your electric bill by 80%, or even eliminating it altogether, starts making solar roof panels pretty good looking, does not it? So, say goodbye to 'Ugly' and hello to 'savings'.