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Fifteen of these flower-shaped solar panels were installed last month in an open space between a highway and a retail lot in Austin, Texas. They not only provide a green source of energy, but also bring a fresh look to solar panel design. Unfortunately, I can’t help but think of those fake-tree cellphone towers when I see these things.

Designed by Massachusetts art duo Harries/Heder, the SunFlowers are an art exhibit at heart, and stand over 30 feet tall. They collect power from the sun by day, and use that energy to power their blue LEDs at night. Up to 15 kilowatts of surplus power is sent back to the grid as payment for any maintenance fees the SunFlowers incur.

a GOOD via Inhabitat]

15 of these SunFlowers occupy 1000 feet of space between the Interstate 35 Highway and Austin's mixed use Mueller Development.

Green Spaces

15 of these SunFlowers occupy 1000 feet of space between the Interstate 35 Highway and Austin’s mixed use Mueller Development.
At night, the SunFlowers take the energy collected from the sun and use it to power their blue LEDs, providing attractive visuals in darkness.

Solar SunFlowers Rise Up

At night, the SunFlowers take the energy collected from the sun and use it to power their blue LEDs, providing attractive visuals in darkness.
Any remaining power not used by the SunFlower LEDs is fed back into the grid. That could total as much as 15 kilowatts a day. [<a href="http://www.good.is/post/look-sunflowers-an-electric-garden/">Source</a>]

Giving Back To The Grid

Any remaining power not used by the SunFlower LEDs is fed back into the grid. That could total as much as 15 kilowatts a day. [Source]
The SunFlower design consists of a septagonal-shaped face made of up seven separate panels ready to soak up a few rays.

Green(thumb) Design

The SunFlower design consists of a septagonal-shaped face made of up seven separate panels ready to soak up a few rays.
The SunFlower design also happens to make them look like they're listening for extraterrestrial signals in deep space. [<a href="http://davidnewsomphoto.blogspot.com/2009/08/austin-sunflowers-project-in-good.html">Source</a>]

SETI Approved?

The SunFlower design also happens to make them look like they’re listening for extraterrestrial signals in deep space. [Source]
The SunFlowers can also provide a spot for pedestrians to cool their heels and escape the sun for a short while.

Public Destination

The SunFlowers can also provide a spot for pedestrians to cool their heels and escape the sun for a short while.
The original idea for the SunFlower exhibit, seen here, seemed to include twice as many of the solar panels.

Concept Sketches

The original idea for the SunFlower exhibit, seen here, seemed to include twice as many of the solar panels.