The SmartFlower by SmartFlower Solar, an intelligent solar energy source shaped like a giant sunflower, is capable of producing between 4500 and 6500 kWh/year, says the company. It was on display inside at the recent Luxury Technology Show, and on demo outside the NYC facility where the show was held.
It folds and unfolds dynamically throughout the day by virtue of a smart tracking system that follows the sun’s rays through a dual-axis system that constantly maintains an optimal angle to the sun – which the company said is the reason it is 40 percent more efficient in energy production than static solar arrays.
It is also capable of sensing dangerous wind speeds, and will fold itself up when these are detected to protect the integrity of the solar panes. It is said by the manufacturer to be a plug-and-play design requiring no significant construction or building modifications, is self-cleaning and self-cooling.
Its architecture also lends itself to simple integration with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and can be used to charge electric cars. An added bonus is the aesthetic quality of its design, evocative of a modern artwork.
