Smartflower is a domestic photovoltaic system that produces 40% of the energy of a normal solar panel thanks to its ability to “follow” the sun.
A “photovoltaic flower” that blooms at first light of day and closes at nightfall. This is the most effective (and poetic, if you like) description of Smartflower Pop, a unique domestic photovoltaic system. The product – designed by the Austrian company Smartflower Energy Technology – is in fact equipped with a biaxial tracker able to “keep track” of the course of the sun throughout the day. This tracking system ensures that the photovoltaic system opens progressively during the day and orients itself according to the position of the sun, just like a sunflower. In this way, the system is able to capture more radiation and optimize the production of electricity, achieving an efficiency of up to 40% more than a “fixed” solar panel installed on the roof. A Smartflower system produces an average of 4,000 kWh per year, a quantity of energy sufficient to fully cover the average demand of a European family. All in total autonomy and without danger: the device is in fact equipped with an anemometer sensor that allows it to close in total safety in case of strong wind, with two preset safety positions.
How works smartflower, the solar panel that “follows” the sun
A Smartflower system is composed of a 5-metre high “stem” and a “corolla” composed of twelve photovoltaic panels similar to large petals. A system of sensors ensures that the photovoltaic modules “open” at dawn, chase the sun throughout the day until dusk and then close again. Each petal is equipped with a brush that allows self-cleaning with every movement. In addition, thanks to the natural cooling, there are no energy losses due to overheating typical of solar panels installed on the roof. Smartflower’s installation work is extremely limited: the system components are already integrated into the system and the structure can be anchored to the ground without building works with four screws. The “stem” can also be equipped with accumulator batteries to obtain autonomy from the mains or be used where the mains does not arrive. The sunflower-inspired solar panel is available in three versions that can be customised to suit your needs: the starting price is around 12,000 euros.
