Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology (SMIT) has designed Solar Ivy--a solar system composed of small, fluttering, solar panels.
The solar panels are designed to replicate ivy leaves, hence the name, solar ivy. These small photovoltaic panels can generate energy by either absorbing sunlight or collecting energy as they are moved about by the wind.
The solar/wind leaves consist of a thin-film material placed on top of polyethylene. Each solar panel has a piezoelectric generator attached to it. SMIT estimates a 28 square foot strip of Solar Ivy can generate 85 watts of power.
The Solar Ivy is light weight and can be placed easily on vertical wall. Since the solar leaves move with the wind, they provide an authentic ivy aesthetic. To see how the Solar Ivy looks when installed, click here.
SMIT's Solar Ivy concept is still awaiting funding in order to start production.
Read the full story at Inhabitat: 'Solar Ivy' Photovoltaic Leaves Climb to New Heights
Image courtesy of SMIT.
Nathanael Baker is the Managing Editor of EnergyBoom. He has researched and reported on the issues of renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change for over two years. He has provided research to the New York Times and The Economist, as well as being published on different media outlets including, The Energy Collective.
Energy Boom content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be advice regarding the investment merits of, or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of, any security identified on, or linked through, this site.
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