Planet pollution is leading scientists to increasingly experiment with new forms of renewable energy, such as the Smartflower. It’s a type of solar panel created in Austria and consists of 12 petals that attract solar energy. The idea was to somewhat mimic the way sunflowers work. The Smartflower always turns its arms or petals toward the sun.
The creation of modern solar panels that can be inspired by nature
The arrival of the Smartflower is a way to experiment with the idea of ​​creating modern solar panels that can be inspired by nature. For now, what is known is that the shape of the Smartflower, combined with its energy production, is generating a lot of buzz. This “renewable sunflower” is inspired by the movement of the sun and uses approximately 40% more energy than traditional fixed panels.
“To achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”
The official Smartflower website includes some of the opinions of users of this type of energy. Javier Ramos, Head of the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, points out that “this installation aims to make the Fuenlabrada campus an area where we can achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development… Just as sunflowers seek light, the spirit of the university will constantly seek the light of knowledge.” Christian Sveigaard, Head of Tuborg in Denmark, adds: “As part of the Carlsberg Group’s sustainability program, Together Towards ZERO, we set a goal of 100% renewable electricity use by 2022, a goal we have already met today in Western Europe. That’s why Tuborg in Denmark also considered applying this decision to the Roskilde Festival, which has been a close partner for many years and is also committed to sustainability… We thought the SmartFlower was a great way to highlight the importance of renewable electricity.”
These panels can produce between 4,000 and 6,500 kw/h of energy per year
According to the Smartflower results, these panels can produce between 4,000 and 6,500 kWh of energy per year. The energy supplied is enough to power an average home for a year. Equipped with an inverter and a lithium battery, this Smartflower requires virtually no preparation for installation. The appeal of these panels lies in the fact that they integrate where traditional panels cannot.
Three Smartflowers have been installed at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose, prompting Director Marilee Jennings to mention the importance of showing that solar panels can also be beautiful to look at.
This device has already been adopted by schools, urban buildings, and museums
Being eye-catching is only part of the Smartflower’s overall appeal, which far exceeds expectations, so much so that this device has already been adopted by schools, urban buildings, and museums focused on highlighting sustainable energy solutions, as mentioned earlier.
Despite its relatively high price, the $50,000 is worth it for this device, which guarantees optimal energy performance. Installation only takes a few hours. An exceptional feature of the Smartflower is that it adapts to various weather conditions and environments, folding its petals in the event of strong winds. The Smartflower’s technology allows it to operate at different temperatures, from -20°C to 50°C, ensuring reliability and consistency even in diverse climates.
