Sunflower 250: Inexpensive Solar Power?

Science & Technology (alternative energy)

Energy Innovations is introducing an innovative solar generator called the Sunflower. Their generator is a "concentrator" which uses mirrors to focus direct sunlight onto a stationary photovoltaic cell (PVC). Since the PVC is the most expensive component of a solar generator, this makes good economic sense if the mirror array is cheap and robust. Energy Innovations claims to have solved this problem, using cheap microprocessors and a custom bearing array with only two motors. The sunflowers are built in China and are designed to fit in a shipping container. The company claims that businesses with flat roofs in states like AZ or CA can pay for the machines in only 3-5 years from electricity savings. The company recently received $16.5 million in venture financing this week. :: Energy Innovations Thanks to Austin for the tip.