SOLAR FLOWER
A solar flower is a solar panel system mounted on the ground and shaped as a flower. To my knowledge there is currently only one commercial brand in the market — SmartFlower. Their system consists of a structure with 12 petals which open up at the beginning of the day with the sun, and close with the sunset. Contrary to solar panels that require installation, the solar flowers are completely portable and ready-to-plug-in. Also, the system is self-cleaning twice a day, which increases efficiency and durability.
The biggest difference from a rooftop panel is that it includes a sun tracker to maximize solar energy production. The SmartFlower produces between 4–6 MWh/year depending on the location, enough to fulfil the average electricity needs of a household in Europe and half of an American household.
The Solar Flower is an environment-friendly way to get clean energy. The sole impact should be related to the production and the materials included.
Renewable energy continues to become cheaper and more accessible into 2019, a trend that has major implications for the nearly 1 billion people across the globe without access to electricity. While expanding the grid is part of the access solution, countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, which account for a majority of the world’s unelectrified population, are exploring renewable solutions like solar energy to bring energy quickly and inexpensively to millions. Innovative financing plans can help make previously unaffordable solar home systems (SHSs) a smart solution for communities that are too far from a reliable grid connection. A recent McKinsey assessment determined that SHSs can help power 150 million households by 2020.
Solar panels have emerged as a widely adopted and effective eco-friendly solution within the sustainable construction technologies industry. They harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity, reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. Solar panels can be installed in various ways to suit different construction needs. They can be integrated seamlessly into rooftops, turning previously underutilized spaces into energy-generating surfaces. Stand-alone solar structures in the form of solar canopies or solar farms can also be incorporated into the construction project, offering a dependable renewable energy source.
One of the latest advancements in solar panel technology is the integration of solar cells directly into building materials. Roofing tiles, facades, and even windows can now be equipped with solar panels, offering an aesthetically pleasing and efficient sustainable energy solution. This innovation not only generates electricity but also enhances the overall energy efficiency of the building, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for builders and homeowners alike in the sustainable construction technologies industry.
Reference: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/10-green-technologies-that-will-change-the-world-9f7a709c1a15
https://neuroject.com/sustainable-construction-technologies/