Rooftop contraption

[sparkie]

Can anyone tell me what this rooftop, folding, fan-like contraption is?

 

[Strima]

Looks like a sun shade.

 

[ferg]

A solar powered wind turbine?

 

[ruston]

A solar powered wind turbine?

Or wind even.

 

[snowhead]

Here you go, Dual axis sun tracking Solar array;

Is the World Finally Ready for Uhü, the Plug and Play Prefab?

It's an idea that many have dreamed about for years- affordable, moveable plug-in housing

www.treehugger.com

However, an innovative solar energy system from Austria, billed as "the world’s first all-in-one solar system," aims to make home solar much more efficient and practical, because not only does it claim to produce 40% more output (than conventional fixed position PV arrays), but it's also decidedly more portable than a rooftop solar system and can be unbolted from its anchor and moved to a new home or location.

The Smartflower POP system is a 3.2 kW solar array which is designed to be ground-mounted, with the device folding its panels up at night or in high wind conditions, and then automatically unfolding again in the morning. The units come in 8 different colors, so you can be sure your solar array matches the rest of your home if that's important to you.

The Smartflower includes a dual axis tracking system which keeps its panels oriented directly at the sun throughout the day (and throughout the seasons), which allows it to harvest more solar energy over the course of a day than a conventional solar array. According to the company website, this allows the units to produce between 3,400 and 6,200 kWh per year, which is equivalent to the "average complete annual consumption of a central European household."

 

[sparkie]

Looks like a sun shade.

View attachment 58011

I think it's

A solar powered wind turbine?

Some kind of wind turbine is a possibility, but I have never seen anything like it before!

Has anyone?

 

[snowhead]

but I have never seen anything like it before!

Has anyone?

I've answered above with a link to the exact device.

 

[SJD]

Interesting to look at the info in the link, I was trying to find out the dimensions - e.g. for the 3.4kW version - as it doesn't look big enough in the photo to be capable of that much power output?

 

[telectrix]

Interesting to look at the info in the link, I was trying to find out the dimensions - e.g. for the 3.4kW version - as it doesn't look big enough in the photo to be capable of that much power output?

that was my thought also.

 

[snowhead]

Better link direct from Manufacturer,

The Solar Flower You Need to Experience — SmartFlower

SmartFlower is the innovative sculptural solar flower with advanced photovoltaic solar panels that open and close to cleaning itself for maximum efficiency.

smartflower.com

Tech spec,

SmartFlower Solar Panel Tech Specs

We are proud of the revolutionary and efficient power behind the SmartFlower. Visit this page to learn more all the specs associated with the SmartFlower solar panel including cooling features, physical and safety specs.

smartflower.com

194sq ft surface area, 2.5kw rating but equivalent to 4kw conventional system for output, given the tracking.
Approx $27000, one size only available with or without batteries.

Possibly along the Fischer heaters theme, good idea, possibly expensive.

SmartFlower Solar Review: The True Cost of a Solar Flower

A complete review of Smartflower solar (solar flower) modules and whether they are worthwhile investment for homeowners.

www.solar.com

 

[sparkie]

Better link direct from Manufacturer, they come in varoius sizes,

The Solar Flower You Need to Experience — SmartFlower

SmartFlower is the innovative sculptural solar flower with advanced photovoltaic solar panels that open and close to cleaning itself for maximum efficiency.

smartflower.com

Thank you for solving the riddle. You are a star!!

 

[SJD]

I found another link with some specs:

smartflower POP+ 4.6kW All-in-One Solar and Battery Package

The Smartflower POP+ All in One Solar and Battery Package is the world’s first all-in-one solar system. Enjoy the energy of the sun. Around

zerohomebills.com

I'm finding the numbers a bit confusing, e.g. a nominal capacity of 2.31kW, but sold as a 4.6kW system. The package seems to include batteries that possibly confuse the specs. I can't help wondering if there is some deliberate inflating of headline numbers!

 

[PEG]

I found another link with some specs:

smartflower POP+ 4.6kW All-in-One Solar and Battery Package

The Smartflower POP+ All in One Solar and Battery Package is the world’s first all-in-one solar system. Enjoy the energy of the sun. Around

zerohomebills.com

I'm finding the numbers a bit confusing, e.g. a nominal capacity of 2.31kW, but sold as a 4.6kW system. The package seems to include batteries that possibly confuse the specs. I can't help wondering if there is some deliberate inflating of headline numbers!

really? ....when has anyone in the renewables,ever done that?

 

[nicebutdim]

I'm finding the numbers a bit confusing, e.g. a nominal capacity of 2.31kW, but sold as a 4.6kW system. The package seems to include batteries that possibly confuse the specs. I can't help wondering if there is some deliberate inflating of headline numbers!

I think they look stunning, but can't figure out how anyone could justify the cost for practical purposes.

The Basic model costs roughly £24,000. At maximum claimed energy production of 6,200kWh per annum (which obviously wont happen in the UK), and assuming no maintainence costs, it's still going to take an awfully long time to break even.

 

[sparkie]

Stunning in a bad way IMHO! It is an enormous contraption when open. Also, it's got to function without problems for many years to repay the initial investment.