Smartflower Solar Review

Smartflower Solar Overview

The Smartflower solar system is a captivating innovation in renewable energy, designed to combine functionality with artistry. Its standout feature is its sun-tracking technology, which mirrors the movement of sunflowers. Each morning, its petal-like solar panels unfold, orienting themselves to maximize energy capture. Throughout the day, these panels track the sun’s path, ensuring energy absorption. At sunset, the panels fold back into a compact form, a process that’s as practical as it is engaging. This biomimetic design enhances energy efficiency and introduces a sculptural element, making the Smartflower an appealing option for commercial spaces, public areas, and high-profile residential projects.

The concept of Smartflower was born in Vienna in 2014, capturing the imagination of renewable energy enthusiasts worldwide. Among them was James Gordon, an experienced energy sector professional. After viewing a video of the Smartflower in action, Gordon was inspired to travel to Austria, where he successfully negotiated distribution rights for the Americas. His dedication to the brand grew, eventually leading him to acquire the company and relocate its headquarters to Boston, Massachusetts. His vision was clear: to combine cutting-edge solar technology with a design that could transform solar energy into both a functional and aesthetic asset.

The Smartflower’s unique design and features make it a powerful innovation in renewable energy. By mimicking the behavior of a sunflower, it maximizes solar efficiency, producing up to 40% more energy compared to traditional fixed solar panels. It also incorporates self-cleaning mechanisms and an integrated cooling system, ensuring efficiency and durability across different climates and weather conditions. While its high price point often limits its use in standard residential applications, the Smartflower’s superior performance and striking design make it a compelling choice for businesses, public spaces, and eco-conscious homeowners seeking to make a bold statement in sustainability. For those willing to invest, the Smartflower is more than just a source of renewable energy—it’s a symbol of innovation and environmental stewardship.

Key Points

• Smartflower units mimic sunflowers with solar panels that track the sun, optimizing energy capture.

• Despite its high efficiency, Smartflower’s cost is significantly higher than traditional solar solutions.

• Equipped with self-cleaning panels and a monitoring app, Smartflower offers models for both grid-connected and off-grid setups, including an EV charging option.

Understanding Smartflower Solar

The Smartflower solar system transcends traditional solar solutions, positioning itself as a sophisticated, solar-powered robot. Designed to produce up to 6,500 kilowatt-hours annually, Smartflower blends cutting-edge technology with aesthetics. While it caters to commercial and institutional clients, there is a growing demand among homeowners seeking both grid-connected and off-grid energy solutions. Its innovative approach and visually striking design appeal to those looking for high-performance solar technology that also enhances their property’s appearance.

Distinguishing Smartflower from Conventional Solar Solutions

At first glance, Smartflower’s futuristic design makes it stand out from the typical solar panel array on rooftops or in fields. What truly sets it apart is its advanced dual-axis tracking system, which allows the system to follow the sun’s path throughout the day. This dynamic tracking can increase energy production by up to 40% compared to traditional stationary solar panels, as it ensures the panels are always positioned to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight.

Smartflower is designed to easily integrate with both grid-connected and off-grid systems, ensuring a smooth transition for users looking to incorporate solar power into their energy infrastructure.

Benefits of Choosing Smartflower

Smartflower offers an all-in-one solar solution that combines solar panels, an inverter, and optional battery storage within a single, self-contained unit. This innovative system arrives fully assembled, making installation quick and straightforward. When its solar “petals” are extended, Smartflower reaches a height of 16 feet, creating an impressive visual impact while generating sustainable energy. The inverter and optional batteries are housed in the base of the structure, creating a clean and organized setup.

Commercial applications for Smartflower have been successful. Many businesses have adopted the system to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability. A noteworthy example of Smartflower’s versatility is its off-grid installation at a whale-watching center in Quebec, showcasing the system’s ability to perform in remote locations and rugged environments.

With its striking design and superior functionality, Smartflower offers more than just an energy solution—it’s a statement piece that represents a commitment to both innovative technology and sustainability. For homeowners and businesses alike, Smartflower provides an opportunity to harness solar energy in a highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Investing in Smartflower enhances a property with its innovative design and aesthetic appeal and delivers improved efficiency from its solar modules. The system’s dual-axis tracking allows it to follow the sun throughout the day, maximizing energy capture. Its elevated position helps naturally cool the panels, reducing heat buildup compared to traditional roof-mounted systems, which further improves overall performance.

Despite these advantages, the unique features of Smartflower come at a premium. The cost of Smartflower is typically two to three times higher than standard residential solar installations, positioning it as a luxury option in the solar market. It is best suited for those who prioritize cutting-edge design and technology over cost alone. Smartflower does qualify for the federal renewable energy tax credit, along with potential other incentives, providing some financial relief for those who choose this high-tech solar solution.

Smartflower’s Solar Solutions and Features

Smartflower’s peak performance reaches 2.5 kilowatts, thanks to its custom-designed panels. A notable feature of these panels is their self-cleaning mechanism, equipped with brushes beneath the panels that activate as the solar “petals” open and close, ensuring cleanliness and optimal efficiency by removing debris such as dirt, pollen, and bird droppings.

The regular cleaning of the panels gives added efficiency. Additionally, the daily opening and closing action of Smartflower helps prevent excessive snow accumulation, which is particularly effective against overnight snowfall. Daytime snow can still pose challenges.

Smartflower’s product line includes the basic grid-connected model, which features the innovative self-cleaning and sun-tracking system. The Smartflower Plus variant enhances the offering with an 11-kilowatt lithium battery, suitable for both grid-connected and off-grid applications, providing a comprehensive energy solution with an included inverter for immediate connectivity.

For electric vehicle owners, Smartflower also provides an “EV” option, incorporating an electric vehicle charging station into the setup.

The inverters used in Smartflower systems are sourced from Fronius or Sunny Boy and have an impressive 96.5% efficiency rating, placing them among the top performers in the inverter market according to Gordon.

Smartflower Monitoring Services

Smartflower offers a comprehensive monitoring app that enables users to track the performance and operation of their solar system in real-time. The app provides the convenience of remotely controlling the system, allowing users to open or close the solar “petals,” activate cleaning mode, or switch to canopy mode. The Smartflower app is available for download on both the Apple and Google app stores, providing easy access for users to manage and monitor their system from anywhere.

Smartflower Warranty Coverage Details

Smartflower provides a 25-year performance warranty for its panels, aligning with industry standards. The inverter comes with a 10-year warranty, while the entire system is covered for two years. Gordon notes that routine lubrication, required every year or so, falls under the system warranty, ensuring no extra maintenance concerns for the owner.

The two-year warranty on the system might seem brief, especially considering Smartflower’s premium pricing. Typically, standard solar installations come with a workmanship warranty of at least 10 years. It is likely that more intricate equipment with numerous moving parts might feature shorter warranty periods due to the potential for mechanical issues.

The limited duration of the system warranty could lead to some Smartflower customers facing out-of-pocket expenses for service calls once the initial two-year period concludes.

Pros and Cons of Smart Flower

Pros

• Eye-catching design
• Enhanced efficiency
• Easy and rapid installation

Cons

• Higher investment cost
• Requires adequate installation space
• Limited warranty period for the system

Does Smartflower Use Subcontractors?

Smartflower’s installation process is less complex than traditional residential rooftop solar systems, but it still requires professional handling due to its large size and weight—over 1,600 pounds. Installation typically involves the use of a forklift or small crane and must be performed by a trained installer. To ensure proper setup, Smartflower works with a nationwide network of dealers and certified installation partners.

Installing a Smartflower unit is similar to setting up a permanent standby generator. For skilled professionals, the installation is relatively straightforward and can be completed within a few hours. While a concrete foundation is not always necessary for mounting the Smartflower, some customers may choose to add it based on site requirements or personal preference.

Smartflower also offers training for local electricians or contractors to empower them to handle installations. This training is available remotely, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient setup process for homeowners.

Pricing Details for Smartflower Solar Systems

The standard Smartflower model is priced at $39,950, excluding additional costs for installation and shipping, while the Smartflower Plus model, which includes an integrated battery, is available at $65,500, also before shipping and installation fees. According to Gordon, the installation expenses can vary significantly based on the specific requirements and complexities of each installation site, with prices typically ranging between $3,000 and $7,000.

When comparing these costs to the average price per watt for new solar installations, which typically falls within the $3 to $4 range as of 2023 based on national averages, Smartflower’s pricing is approximately three to four times higher than that of standard rooftop solar systems. This comparison takes into account the enhanced energy output attributed to Smartflower’s advanced dual-axis tracking technology.

It’s important to note that the quoted installation prices do not include potential savings from federal, state, or local solar incentives, which can significantly reduce the overall cost.

Financing Solutions Provided by Smartflower

While many of Smartflower’s clients have the financial means to pay for their systems outright, the company has introduced an equipment financing option geared towards the commercial sector. Smartflower is also working on developing a financing program specifically for residential customers, which is expected to be available within the next 12 to 24 months. In some cases, individual financing arrangements for homeowners may be possible even before the official residential program rolls out.

Smartflower Availability and Ordering Process

Smartflower’s solar solutions can be installed in virtually all locations across North America. The company is actively expanding its network of certified installers and is committed to securing installation services in areas where it currently lacks a presence.

Smartflower Availability by State

To initiate an order, simply visit Smartflower’s official website and reach out through the contact options provided. Smartflower prides itself on offering a level of customer service that stands out in the solar industry, ensuring a more personalized experience for each customer.

The streamlined and user-friendly nature of Smartflower systems means that the purchase and installation journey is typically straightforward and quick. However, it’s important for customers to remember to verify local permitting requirements and secure the necessary approvals from their utility provider for grid-connected setups.

Is Smartflower the Best Solar Option?

Smartflower may not be the best option for the majority of solar energy users, as acknowledged by Gordon from Smartflower. For those who want to make an architectural statement or spark interest in solar energy, Smartflower offers a visually striking solution. Although it isn’t the most common choice in the industry, Smartflower’s technology is efficient and capable, providing high performance with easy installation by a qualified electrician in just a few hours. That said, it is important to note the premium cost associated with this innovative 1,600-pound solar tracking system, which also comes with a two-year warranty on mechanical components.

For those considering a ground-mounted solar system, Smartflower is worth considering. Its aesthetic appeal, higher efficiency, and simple installation process make it an attractive alternative to traditional systems. Smartflower’s ability to adjust its orientation toward the sun during crucial times of the day can enhance energy production, especially in regions with time-of-use utility billing. This could help offset higher energy costs in the early evening.

The higher cost per watt and the need for a sturdy base for installation are significant factors to consider. Also, potential maintenance or repair expenses after the warranty period should be factored into the long-term financial planning.

Smartflower is best suited for those who prioritize distinctive design and want to make a statement with their commitment to renewable energy. If its unique aesthetic appeals to you and budget is less of a concern, Smartflower stands out as a one-of-a-kind choice in the market.

Go Solar with 8MSolar

If you want to switch to solar, but are finding that the Smartflower isn’t within your budget or isn’t the best option for your situation, consider installing traditional solar panels. At 8MSolar, we are here to help you find the best solar system set up for your specific needs. With over two decades of experience, we can help you with any solar questions you may have. Choose 8MSolar and experience the transformative power of solar energy. Contact us today.

Smartflower Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of a standard Smartflower solar system?

The standard 2.5 kilowatt Smartflower system is priced at $39,950, excluding the costs for shipping and installation.

What is the cost of the Smartflower Plus model?

The Smartflower Plus, which includes an 11-kilowatt battery, is available for $65,500, not including shipping and installation fees.