electronics

On a technical level, each sunbrothers sculpture is a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) solar sytem. Sunlight on the solar panel charges a hidden battery, which then powers a circuit board and the LED lights during the nighttime display. The components are custom made and designed to allow replacement or servicing.

The entire system is a demonstration of energy. Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed by the solar panel where it is converted into an electrical potential. This potential drives a switching circuit that charges a battery, converting electrical energy into chemical energy. At night, this stored chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy, which powers a microcontroller and the LED lights in the flowers. The LEDs convert the electrical energy back into radiant (light) energy, completing the cycle. The result, I hope, is something thoughtful and beautiful.