Advanced Features of the Smartflower
Smartflower functions autonomously and automatically
Smart Technology of the Smartflower
SMART USE
smartflower is delivered as an all-in-one complete system and is operational within an hour. No complex assembly is required: the system is firmly bolted to the ground (or concrete foundation) at the location of your choice. It is designed for maximum performance (see also smart tracking, smart cleaning and smart cooling), and it is easy to use and maintain. It reliably provides electricity throughout the day.
SMART TRACKING
Thanks to the astronomical control system, the solar modular fan moves horizontally and vertically along with the sun’s position, even when it’s cloudy. This guarantees optimum alignment with the sun – an exact 90° angle – during the entire course of the day, even when the sun is low on horizon in the winter. The result: despite the lower space requirement, up to 40% more output as compared to that of a conventional rooftop system, which is only ideally positioned towards the sun for a few hours per year.
SMART CLEANING
smartflower easily rids itself of dust deposits or snow by folding and unfolding itself. Thus, common losses in energy production (up to 5%) are minimized.
SMART SAFETY
In continuous operation, the sensors permanently monitor the wind speed. In winds above 54 km/h, smartflower automatically folds into its secure position in order to avoid damages. If the wind increases further, 63 km/h or more, it takes up the secondary security position (same as night position). The sensors continue to function and when the wind decreases, the system folds out completely and returns to its electricity-producing tracking position.
SMART COOLING
Hot modules deliver less electricity than cool modules. 10°C more means 5% less output. The modules of smartflower are always rear-ventilated – hot air cannot accumulate due to their construction. This means they are 10–20°C cooler and deliver 5–10% more output as compared to rooftop systems.
SMART RELOCATION
A significant advantage over fixed rooftop systems: smartflower is mobile! When you move out, simply take your private solar plant with you. Disassembling smartflower is just as simple as assembling it: just unscrew the four anchoring bolts and cart it away. And naturally the ground can be easily restored to its original state.
Technology Q&As
Frequently Asked Questions
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- Planning and Installation
- Reliability and Safety
- Self-Utilization Degree
- Smartflower General Operations
Storage capacity is determined based on optimal performance yields of a Smartflower system. With the storage options on offer, personal use levels of 80 – 90% are attained according to personal application habits. In theory it is possible to raise the self-sufficiency level to 100% with the application of a large storage unit (>10 kWh). Additional acquisition costs would make no economic sense in relation to use. What is pivotal is the use of small storage units in combination with simultaneously intelligent user control. (i.e, turning on washing machines at midday).
A shadow free surface of 25 m², as well as an electricity feed from the facility to your building.
Connection to the point of installation is carried out via forklift truck or truck. After your Smartflower system has been set up and installed by your local Smartflower representative, an electrician will connect it to your electricity meter box. This normally takes between one and two hours, and then the facility is directly operational. When you move, you take your privately owned sun power station with you, since disassembly is as easy as initial assembly.
Embedding is carried out either by assembly with four screws on ground screws (4-piece, each 1.6 m long), or set on a concrete base (2.05 x 2.05 x 0.3 m). You are free to choose, and for both options we have the most suitable solution ready for you.
Building or installation permit and requirements may be needed. Nu-NRG technician and specialist can help you. Please contact us for assessment and support.
We have compiled a list of potential subsidiaries. Please click here for more information.
You can rely on the Austrian quality of our products. For more information about product quality guarantee, please contact us.
We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to produce their own electricity. However, due to regional differences, some low maintenance will be needed. Please contact us for maintenance requirements.
Smartflower is not compromised should it snow more. Strong motor performance means that even with frost there is no restricted functioning. The system can be used outdoors in temperatures of up to -20°C.
In such an emergency, Smartflower has a built-in emergency battery, which the system drives in the security position. As soon as the currency network is activated again, the system works again automatically in tracking mode. Should you have opted for a Smartflower plus with integrated storage then you will have have electric current in your building as long as the batteries have stored energy.
Smartflower can be used with an outside temperature of -20°C up to +50°C. Operational safety of Plus’ battery storage is likewise guaranteed for these temperature figures.
Average annual energy production depends on the location. The system produces in the region of 3,400 kWh and 6,200 kWh a year. Nu-NRG specialist can calculate the annual yield by location.
An average middle-class European household needs about 3,500 kWh of energy a year. This can be covered in its entirety by Smartflower according to its consumption profile. With Smartflower’s storage options, you can use solar electricity at night.
Smartflower has a nominal output of 2,31 kWp. Conventional roof-mounted photovoltaic systems have a lower yield because of their static installations than theoretically might be possible in any given location. With smart tracking, Smartflower is permanently at a perfect 90° angle to the sun that is how it achieves maximum efficiency. But it is not only astronomical control and dual-axis solar tracking that increase the efficiency of Smartflower, but also the smart cleaning and smart cooling which increase the yield by counteracting heat build-up and contamination. As other photovoltaic facilities do not have these features, this leads to a considerable loss of yield over a long period of time.
With Smartflower, a level of personal consumption can be attained thus:
- 60% with an annual electricity consumption of around 3,500 kWh – with a roof-mounted solar panel system only approx. 24%
- 80% with an annual electricity consumption of around 7,000 kWh – with a roof-mounted solar panel system only approx. 33%
- 100% with an annual electricity consumption of approx. 10,000 kWh – with a roof-mounted solar panel system only approx. 55%
With Smartflower mainstream build-up can attain personal use levels of up to:
- 90% with an annual electricity consumption rate of approx. 3,500 kWh
- 100% with an annual electricity requirement rate of approx. 7,000 kWh
The reason is simple: Smartflower produces electricity all day long, from sunrise to sunset. With a solar panel system, only around midday. The values indicated are subject to change according to region and solar rays received, and are experience-based values which are dependent on your consumption profile.
Owner-use is taken to mean covering household electricity requirements through self-produced electricity by means of a photovoltaic facility.
Example: if you have an annual consumption requirement of 3,500 kWh and can cover 60% of it through your photovoltaic facility, then you will save 2,100 kWh per year and 588 kg* of CO2-emissions. The 40% difference (=1,400 kWh) you feed as 100% green electricity into the public grid**, which means you pare down pollutants generally and receive money as a reward.
*1 kWh standard electricity (extracted from the grid, average emission factor for the Austrian grid mix) = 0,28 kg CO2; 1 kWh green electricity (taken from the electricity grid) = 0,03 kg CO2
**not possible in all regions/ countries.
Excess electricity is fed into the public network (see the previous point)*. However, Smartflower offers a product version with integrated battery storage in which used energy is stored and can be called up on demand. Region specific differences are possible.
With our all-in-one solar facilities, storage solutions are integrated directly into smartflower plus. smartflower plus has a Victron quality brand integrated Lithium- Iron phosphate storage system. We have differing capacities for this production offer, of 2.3 kWh or 4.6 kWh storage.
You can use both variants with 2.3 kWh or 4.6 kWh up to 2,500 W constantly; as long as energy is stored in the lithium battery. You can use 6,000 VA briefly (for up to 3 seconds) as start-up current with working machines or freezer chests. You can check the loading status of your storage unit on your smartphone, tablet or internet browser. In this case there is a connection provision for WLAN (cable-less) or LAN (with cable connection) between your Smartflower plus and IT set-up, which is as easy as plugging a smartphone into WLAN, or plugging a computer into your LAN. The hardware for WLAN or LAN connections (LAN cables not included) is installed free as standard in Smartflower plus.