NB Power Testing “Smartflower” Solar Energy Device

Smart Flower

August 11, 2017

The Smartflower is currently on the market in other northern countries with weather patterns similar to Canada. We are currently testing the device at the Energy Control Centre in Marysville to see how well it is able to perform in New Brunswick. The Smartflower is the first of its kind in New Brunswick and will supply energy to the building while we measure its output and performance.
 
“The Smartflower product is an exciting development that provides a self-contained solution for consumers who want to invest in green energy to supplement their energy usage,” said Tony O’Hara, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Engineering.

This is just one of the many forms of technology NB Power is looking at to meet the needs of our customers. In the future, we are looking to provide more and more products and services for New Brunswickers who want to integrate green energy in their households.
 
“It is very important that NB Power be a leader in the promotion of renewable energy sources.  This is a small example of how we are doing just that,” O’Hara said.

SmartFlower solar panels move on a dual axis so they continually face and follow the sun, making the system up to 40% more efficient than a rooftop installation.

One SmartFlower produces the equivalent of a 4 kW rooftop system – unprecedented for a stand-alone solar product. Its harvested energy can also be stored with integrated batteries and synchronized with smart home automation via mobile devices, freeing owners from reliance on the grid. Since launching in Europe in 2014, over 1,000 units have been installed in 20 European countries, and SmartFlower has won a collection of awards, including the Green Good Design award founded in Chicago, for exceptional engineering and inspiring a sustainable universe.

  • safety: at wind speeds of 54 km/h (33 mph), sensors tell SmartFlower to retract its petals to avoid damage. When the wind drops, the petals automatically unfold again.
  • mobility: it is self-contained and portable, allowing owners to take it with them when they move.  

Photo courtesy of SmartFlower.

https://www.nbpower.com/blog/en/posts/2017/july/flower-power/

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    March 28. 2024 As demand for skilled trades professionals rises, Skills Ontario is commending the government for continued investments in skilled trades and technology programing, working to address the shortfall and need to build the workforce of the future in Ontario.  The skilled trades shortage is costing Ontario approximately $25 billion in foregone GDP. A… Read More…

  • IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

    IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

     IVRY Technologies, a division of IDEAL Electrical, is launching seven new virtual reality (VR) lessons in Canada as part of its Virtual Electrical Training (VET) Series 2 training module. The cutting-edge training will serve as a learning resource for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training centers across Canada. Read More…

  • PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    March 28, 2024 Hon. Jill Burridge, Minister of Finance, presented government’s 2024-25 operating budget to the legislative assembly, outlining $3.2 billion in investments for Prince Edward Island with a continued focus on healthcare, housing and affordability measures. “This budget signals where we’re headed as a province and shows Islanders where we will be making key… Read More…

  • BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    March 28, 2024 Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, met with community climate leaders in Nelson to discuss how Budget 2024 can help support people in the region to transition to a low-carbon economy and meet shared CleanBC goals. “Our government’s budget this year reflects the… Read More…