Solar “SmartFlowers” on the grounds of Alden Court in Fairhaven resemble flowers, with petals that open and close and move to follow the sun, resulting in a 40% increase in power production. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
By Beth David, Editor
You’ve probably seen them as you’ve driven by Alden Court on Alden Road in Fairhaven: Large contraptions with petal-like panels that splay out in the sun and move. Yup, you were right, they were facing the other way when you drove by in the morning, just a few hours ago.
They are SmartFlowers, a solar energy system that uses petal-shaped solar panels on a stem, resembling flowers. The panels automatically turn towards the sun resulting in 40% more power generated.
In a press release, Alden Court stated it has “stepped outside of the box for 2020,” with the system.
“The SmartFlowers were installed earlier this year and have generated a lot of curiosity and goodwill,” reads the statement. “The facility continuously strives to provide what is best for our residents, families and the community. Our goal is to operate our facility in the most sustainable way possible.”
According to Alden Court Executive Director Brad Truini, each solar flower produces more than 5,000 kilowatt hours of power, resulting in about a 10% savings for the facility. The flowers are tied directly into the building.
Solar “SmartFlowers” on the grounds of Alden Court in Fairhaven resemble flowers, with petals that open and close and move to follow the sun, resulting in a 40% increase in power production. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
Mr. Truini said that the installation was very simple compared to other systems, and only took a day. Then they had to run the conduit to the building.
“It wasn’t a long run of the conduit to the facility, so that was attractive to us,” said Mr. Truini. “I think we sort of of liked the way they looked, too.”
He said there is no noise factor, as there would be with a wind turbine, and the solar flowers are low to the ground, so a lot of land is not required. They were able to install them in the front of the building, near the gazebo.
He said the facility has been working towards greener power in the last few years, and installed a geothermal heating/ cooling system.
The SmartFlowers, though, are much more visible.
“We certainly received several phone calls and emails about the solar flowers from families of our residents and folks in community,” said Mr. Truini. “People have not seen these before.”
He said the curiosity promotes “good will” in the community, most of the staff members are local and discuss them around town.
“It’s sort of cool to discuss,” he said.
Mr. Truini said it feels “terrific” to have the system on the grounds.
“I think it’s wonderful,” he said. “We’re sort of trying to spark some interest and do the right thing for the community.”
“The SmartFlowers are a great way to educate and inspire the community to think about how they could also contribute to a better energy and environmental future,” the facility said in its statement.
The back side of a solar “SmartFlower” on the grounds of Alden Court in Fairhavenm, which resembles flowers, with petals that open and close and move to follow the sun, resulting in a 40% increase in power production. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
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