# Sunflower Solar Panels Electric Garden Collects Energy, Beautifies Retail Development By Andrew Robichaud | Published 2009-08-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-electric-garden References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/electric-garden-solar-sunflowers/12599/) & [harriesheder](http://www.harriesheder.com/) A beautiful display of eco-friendly architecture has brightened up a section in Austin, Texas near a retail development area. Dubbed ‘The [Electric Garden](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-transformer-house),’ these 15 wondrous (and massive) sunflowers [collect energy from the sun](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-technology) to power themselves (the LED display is bright...very) as well as help raise funds for the area. During the day, The Electric Garden soaks in the sun's energy while providing a fair amount of shade for pedestrians and cyclists. At night, the [bright LEDs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/govee-outdoor-solar-string-lights) make for a beautiful mood that lights up the walkway. Not only is the Electric Garden making the Earth happy, it’s making people happy as well. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Eco-friendly Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in sustainable building designs that integrate renewable energy sources. - **Solar-powered Infrastructure:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating infrastructure that harnesses solar energy for power generation. - **Artistic Energy Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in combining aesthetics and functionality to create energy-generating installations. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in designing sustainable and energy-efficient structures. - **Renewable Energy:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in developing innovative solar energy solutions for various applications. - **Public Art and Installations:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating installations that serve both artistic and functional purposes, such as energy generation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Net-Positive Energy Botanical Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-selby-botanical-gardens.md) - [Sunflower-Inspired Power Poles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-poles.md) - [Solar Energy Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jantzen-2.md) - [Solar-Powered Floral Garden Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tree-house.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md) - [Sunlight-Mimicking Panelled Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunne-lamp.md) - [Soil-Powered Light Sources](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soli.md)