TRC’s SmartFlower
The SmartFlower is a device that turns sunlight into electricity. It tracks the sun, generating 40% more energy than traditional panels.
The Blooming Power of Solar
The SmartFlower lowers TRC’s energy costs by generating power during the day. It also powers a charging station in the garden, helping the community use clean energy to charge their devices.
The transition to clean energy is a key part of environmental justice—ensuring that all communities, no matter their income, have equal access to the benefits of sustainable, renewable energy.
The SmartFlower is also a beautiful piece of public art. Its solar petals capture sunlight in unique ways, adding elegance to the community and blending eco-tech with modern design.
The SmartFlower is a symbol of innovation, energy, and beauty—all working together to create a greener future!
Daily Power Generated
What is a Kilowatt-hour?
A watt is used to measure electrical energy. A kilowatt-hour is the amount of power that a 1,000 watt device (like a microwave) will use over the course of an hour.
What can you do with 1 kilowatt-hour?
Use a light bulb (100 watts) for 10 hours
Run a refrigerator (300 Watts): 3 hours
Watch a 50″ LED TV (50 watts): 20 hours
A Cutting-Edge Solar Solution
Self-Opening and Cleaning
The SmartFlower opens at dawn and closes at dusk, performing an automatic cleaning cycle as it moves. This ensures optimal performance without manual intervention.
Dual-Axis Sun Tracking
The SmartFlower tracks the sun to capture the maximum amount of sunlight, and is capable of producing up to 6,500 kWh/year - enough energy to power a mid-size home for the whole year.
Outdoor Charging Station
Outdoor spaces are hubs for work and social life. The SmartFlower-powered outdoor charging station provides a weather-resistant solution with outlets, USB ports, and optional lighting to keep devices charged—day or night.
Special Thanks
The SmartFlower was originally donated by the Mohawk Group in 2018 and installed through a collaborative workforce training partnership with Elevate Energy, Groundswell, LiveWire Construction, Millenium Solar, and SunCatch Energy.
After the device sustained damage to one of its petals, Elevate, ComEd, and SmartFlower partnered to repair and upgrade the device to bring it to its highest potential use to serve the community, installing an outdoor charging station, remote monitoring, and an educational sign.