Denmark Tech unveils innovative solar SmartFlower

Attendees at the unveiling included local community leaders, faculty, students and representatives from the Community Development Action Coalition (CDAC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Apprenticeship Carolina, the South Carolina Technical College System and the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

“We are excited to integrate the solar SmartFlower on campus as it not only provides clean, renewable energy but also serves as a teaching tool for our students,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College. “This installation is more than just technology. It’s a gateway to careers in energy, particularly for our underserved communities. Our role as an HBCU in this effort is pivotal, as we help prepare the next generation of leaders who will drive economic mobility and sustainability.”

As part of the Second Life Smart Systems project, DTC is working to address some of the most pressing energy challenges of today, including the growing need for renewable energy sources and sustainable practices. This innovative project spans four states and is backed by a $10 million award to Smartville from the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Lead partners for the initiative include CDAC, the USDA, Congressman James E. Clyburn, Siemens and the American Association of Blacks in Energy.

“As an integral part of the Community Development Action Coalition network, Denmark Technical College is shaping the future of green energy careers in this region. By connecting HBCUs to industry partnerships and providing hands-on learning experiences, we ensure that historically underrepresented communities will be at the forefront of the clean energy revolution,” said Ron Butler, CEO of CDAC.

“By deploying the solar SmartFlower, designed to mimic the movement of a sunflower by tracking the sun throughout the day, DTC is demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship, student education, and community economic development. This innovative system harnesses solar power to increase the availability of clean energy while serving as a valuable teaching tool for students in STEM programs,” added Karen Soares, CDAC Clean Energy program director.

Attendees witnessed a demonstration of the Solar SmartFlower, which automatically unfolds its petal-like solar panels at sunrise, tracks the sun throughout the day for optimal energy efficiency and closes at sunset. This system will not only support campus operations but also contribute to the college’s environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.

“CDAC was able to gift this cleantech appliance to DTC thanks to philanthropic support from our funding partners and stakeholders. Seeing the deployment of the SmartFlower as an opportunity to change the narrative and re-position this rural HBCU and help them to move not only their institution but the entire community and region forward, we are delighted to celebrate this outcome and subsequent outcomes with Drs. Todd and Myles. Our goal is to continue to identify and secure funding to place a SmartFlower on all HBCU campuses and within host communities,” said Henry Golatt, chief of strategy and partnership at CDAC.

During the event, Demeterius Smith, apprenticeship consultant and training development manager at Apprenticeship Carolina, announced that, as part of the clean energy initiative, the coalition has established nationally registered apprenticeships for occupations in the solar industry. The first registered occupation is electrician, with additional solar-related roles expected to be added in the future. Denmark Tech is the sponsor of the apprenticeship, while HBCU CDAC serves as the employer partner. Apprentices will receive education from Denmark Tech and on-the-job training through their employment with HBCU CDAC.