Solar Ivy is a solar energy-generation and delivery system inspired by ivy. Solar Ivy's unique visual appeal and flexibility brings a technology traditionally restricted to the roof to almost any architectural surface.
Solar Ivy appeals to quality of life concerns (environment, health, energy dependence) by providing a product that adheres to the values of environmental responsibility. Using a life-cycle analysis (LCA), Solar Ivy utilizes recycled and reclaimed materials wherever possible and insure that at the end of the system's lifespan, sustainable methods of recycling and reclamation are carried out to minimize environmental and resource footprints.
Solar Ivy is a flexible system that can adapt to most building types, orientations and climates. It has the ability to provide varying degrees of opacity to modulate heat gain, light transmission and view. Because of our modular design, future iterations of Solar Ivy will be able to include more efficient and less expensive PV modules once those products are available and cost effective. This modularity also makes Solar Ivy easy to support and update: if one leaf should fail, we can replace it very easily.
The leaves are made of 100% recyclable polyethylene and are available in a variety of colors and opacities. The solar cells are Konarka Power Plastic, an organic PV, encapsulated in ETFE that is recyclable and toxin free. The structural stainless steel mesh system is robust and of the highest quality, does not corrode or rust and is completely recyclable. The leaf matrix is attached to the mesh, providing a taught and strong substrate, while allowing for customization and flexibility.
A first run of Solar Ivy is currently being manufactured for select installations in the Fall of 2009. Please contact Solar Ivy for Sales or Technical information.
We will collaborate with home owners, architects and real estate developers to produce projects that utilize Solar Ivy on architectural and urban scales.
Solar Ivy is in the process of raising an Angel Round of financing. Please contact the Solar Ivy team for investment opportunities.
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