Frequently Asked Questions

Product Information

How much power does a SmartFlower produce?

The best measurement of productivity is the kilowatt hour, usually shown as kWh. SmartFlower typically produces anywhere from 4,000 to over 6,200 kWh per year depending on where it is in the world. Particularly sunny climates will produce at the top of the range.

Can the electricity from the SmartFlower power a business or home?

For customers in grid-connected buildings, the SmartFlower is designed to reduce your electricity costs, not eliminate them entirely. Customers have found SmartFlower alone to fully satisfy the energy demands of a remote agricultural watering station, a highway rest stop, an electric bike recharger or a small cabin.

Can a SmartFlower operate off-grid?

The SmartFlower can be integrated with off-grid power storage solutions to provide standalone power generation and storage. Consult your installation provider for more details on connecting SmartFlower to energy storage devices.

How fast does the SmartFlower move? 

The SmartFlower moves very slowly and gently. The opening and closing of the panels moves at a speed of 0.5 feet/sec.

Does the SmartFlower make a lot of loud noise?

No, the SmartFlower is very quiet in normal day-to-day operation — most people describe it as nearly silent.

What happens to the SmartFlower in extreme weather conditions, such as hail, heavy snow and cold, or desert heat?

The SmartFlower operates at full performance at temperatures between 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and as cold as -20 Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit).

In heavy wind, the SmartFlower will protect itself before there is a problem. In sustained winds, the SmartFlower panels move automatically to a safety position to allow wind to pass over the panels but continue producing energy. The SmartFlower can withstand hurricane-level winds in its closed position.

The SmartFlower’s tracking movement over the course of the day and self-cleaning enables it to remove snow before it accumulates.

Where is SmartFlower manufactured?

SmartFlower is manufactured in Austria with components from European Union countries.

Purchase & Installation

How much does SmartFlower cost?

SmartFlower starts at 44,950 USD, before shipping and installation. Depending on your location, federal and/or local solar tax incentives may reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Is it easy to install SmartFlower?

Yes — the SmartFlower is one of the simplest solar solutions available. It is delivered to the site fully assembled. Your installer will uncrate the SmartFlower, anchor it to the ground, and run one wire to your electric service panel.

Unlike rooftop systems, it requires no structural modifications and can be installed in a day. SmartFlower installations are carried out by our growing network of authorized resellers and installers.

Does the installation of the SmartFlower require any special permit or other government approval?

Requirements vary by country, region, and municipality, so there is no one single answer that applies everywhere. In many jurisdictions, some form of permit or approval will be required, and local zoning, setback, or land-use rules may apply.

How much space is needed for the SmartFlower to operate effectively and safely?

Since each site is different, there is no definitive answer, but of course the more unblocked or unshaded access to the sunlight, the better. At a minimum, for installation, the SmartFlower must have a clear circular footprint area of 5.2 meters (17 feet) around it.

Warranty & Maintenance

What are the warranties on the SmartFlower?

SmartFlower offers a standard 2-year warranty on the complete system. SmartFlower passes along the limited warranties provided by key components manufacturers to the customer.

What maintenance is required for the SmartFlower and can the customer do it?

SmartFlower requires very little maintenance to maintain proper operation. Annual maintenance, including visual inspection and lubrication, is required to preserve warranty coverage.

How do I keep my SmartFlower safe during routine yard maintenance?

The SmartFlower has a button on the controller that moves the system into Canopy (“tabletop”) position. This provides enough space to fit mowers and other equipment under it.

How do I keep my SmartFlower panels clean?

The SmartFlower automatically self-cleans its panels when it opens and closes in the morning and evening. A long brush on the outer under edge of each panel removes snow, dirt, and debris that reduce light intensity on the photovoltaic cells. While other solar PV devices naturally become dirty over time, SmartFlower automatically cleans itself, resulting in productivity gains of 1-2% over conventional solar panels.