I just don't see these solar tarps being draped around the house. Solar cell drapes? Solar cell awnings? Solar cell roofs ... already doing that but do we really want a bunch of reflective roofs twinkling in the sun as we take a walk through the neighborhood?
What I'd like to see is something more practical. Wouldn't it be great if windows on buildings could be turned into electricity generators? Wouldn't it be even better if those same windows also worked the same way as those darkening sunglasses? Of course, the issue is cost as well as technology that is effective and efficient.
Rather than having a translucent or almost-transparent solar film inside of a glass sandwich, the glass itself would be the source of the electricity. No add-ons; no interference with the view. I'm sure somewhere someone could come up with a working prototype. The challenge would be to make it relatively inexpensive, easy to install and replace, and efficient in generating electricity. The room darkening part? That's just a plus, so that could be optional.
We may be needing this sooner than later the way the anti-energy clowns in Washington are going.