Sunlight is stored in batteries to emerge as flashes that respond to the movement of people.
Photovoltaic panels and sensors transform energy into a language of colors and shapes.
Imagine arriving at a plaza at dusk and seeing a play of lights seemingly rising from the ground. As you approach, the rays change color, glide in soft waves, or burst into brief flashes—like the city itself greeting you. Behind this spectacle lies more than just an installation: it’s solar energy transformed into a bridge between the visitor and the art, an invitation to explore each panel, each sensor, each flicker that reacts to your presence.
For this encounter to work, photovoltaic panels capture daylight and store it in batteries that wait for the right moment. As the sun sets, a microcontroller powered by that stored energy reads signals from proximity or ambient light sensors: if someone passes by, it activates addressable LED strips; if the surroundings still hold some light, it moderates the brightness to extend autonomy. In this way, the piece seems to have its own pulse—a heartbeat that varies with the flow of people and the natural light intensity.
The choice of components makes the difference between a fragile piece and one that withstands rain and seasonal changes. Typically, flexible panels of 10 to 20 watts are combined with long-life batteries and low-consumption RGB LED strips. A charge controller manages voltage, prevents reverse discharge, and extends the battery’s useful cycle. To modulate interaction, an Arduino connects to PIR sensors and photocells, closing the loop between sunlight, pedestrian movement, and the light show.
The result is not just an object of contemplation. It’s a meeting point that changes depending on who inhabits it—a way to experience renewable energy without graphs or figures, just through the wonder of a flicker conceived by the sun and human ingenuity. Moreover, these installations foster dialogue among artists, engineers, and neighbors, who spontaneously contribute ideas—from the type of light animation to the base material.
Precisely defining the technical and aesthetic requirements is essential to ensure the performance and integrity of the installation. The selection of solar panel capacity and dimensions, battery type, and LED color temperature must align with the project specifications and site characteristics. With detailed planning and rigorous assembly, any urban space can host an interactive solar energy system that operates reliably and encourages community participation in renewable solutions.
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Find out more news about the renewable energy sector on the Univergy Solar blog.
