Top
About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

Search Giz Wiz Biz
This form does not yet contain any fields.
    « Big Digit Alarm Clock with a lot of choices when you set it. | Main | At the Luxury Technology Show I discover the amazing robotic wine cabinet. »
    Saturday
    Oct132018

    Generate your own power with the SmartFlower Solar Tracker System.

    The SmartFlower Solar system was another 'big' gadget at the Luxury Technology Show. They had a unit out in the street so the press could see it in person. The SmartFlower is a fully integrated, all-in-one solar system that can live anywhere, but certainly the sunnier, the better. SmartFlower uses GPS tracking aligned to the specific longitude and latitude of the site where it is installed. This precise tracking can increase productivity by as much as 40%. They do want it setup by one of their installers to get the full warantee. There are two models that use the same moving solar panels, but the “plus” adds built in batteries to keep you in power when the regular power goes out. Within the next few months, all SmartFlowers will be upgraded to allow for remote monitoring. That means, using a smartphone/tablet, the owner and/or the dealer may determine the energy production and whether there are any problems from virtually anywhere in the world. I asked about how much power a SmartFlower typically produces. The answer is anywhere from 4,500 to over 6,500 kWh per year, depending on where it is located. So it's enough for a small house or cottage. And from The Giz Wiz: I asked what happens when it get windy. A spokesperson told me If winds reach 29 mph, the SmartFlower panels automatically move into horizontal position (Safety Position 1) to allow the wind to pass over and under them but the SmartFlower remains open to continue producing energy. If the winds reach 39 mph or higher the panels automatically fold up and down into secure position. The price is $24,950. Installation is about $7,000. The spokesperson said you get 30% rebate from the government for personal use or business use, but if you're using this for a business, you can write the entire investment off. (But check with your accountant to be sure!)

    http://smartflowersolar.com/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btdX8QdbyRQ

    A day done in a minute with SmartFlower in use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rk2bjO3hjY 

    Reader Comments

    There are no comments for this journal entry. To create a new comment, use the form below.

    PostPost a New Comment

    Enter your information below to add a new comment.

    My response is on my own website »
    Author Email (optional):
    Author URL (optional):
    Post:
     
    Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>