Prototype Scale
With 78 small 70mm x 70mm solar cells, the first version should act as an 80W-class solar array in ideal conditions. Real-world output will depend on sunlight, angle, wiring, heat, weather, and charging losses.
Horizon Science ยท Hardware
The Sunflower Solar Panel
A Horizon Science renewable-energy project by Benjamin and Charlie Davis, exploring how solar power can become more beautiful, approachable, modular, and useful in everyday outdoor spaces.
The idea
Solar power that does not look industrial
The Sunflower Solar Panel is a long-term renewable-energy concept designed around the idea that solar power does not have to look industrial, complicated, or disconnected from the spaces people actually live in. Inspired by the shape and movement of real sunflowers, the project combines solar cells, battery storage, custom electronics, software, and physical design into one sculptural outdoor power system.
The full vision is to create a solar appliance that feels natural in gardens, patios, campsites, parks, and outdoor workspaces. It is meant to be both functional and visually interesting: something that can collect energy, store it, display useful data, and eventually adjust itself to make better use of the sun.
Where it's at now
The latest milestone: a to-scale cardboard mockup of the real prototype. Click it to view full size.
Current prototype
From sketch to real size
As of late April 2026, the Sunflower Solar Panel is officially starting development as a joint project with my brother Charlie. We are starting with a smaller first prototype so we can test the physical layout, wiring, solar output, battery system, and controller before moving toward a larger and more advanced version.
The current design uses a fixed layout of 78 solar cells. For the first build, we are looking at smaller 70mm x 70mm polycrystal solar cells, which keeps the prototype a manageable size while still giving it enough output to be useful. The first version is planned around roughly 60 to 100Wh of battery storage and low-power outdoor use.
How the idea evolved
Concept art, 3D models, mockups, and test parts, newest first. Click any image for the full story and date.
Technical Direction
The first prototype is smaller, but it is being designed as a step toward the larger Horizon Science vision.
Software & Data
A major goal is to make the system feel smarter than a basic solar panel. It pairs with the Horizon Solar Dashboard to show battery level, live solar input, daily energy production, estimated runtime, system warnings, and long-term energy logs.
Future Expansion
Later versions will use larger panels (aiming towards 250 to 300W), higher-capacity batteries, automatic sun tracking, stronger weather resistance, multiple linked Sunflowers, and a more complete Horizon Science solar ecosystem.