Flower power comes to NB Power in Marysville

What's that contraption on the front lawn of NB Power's Marysville property?

Flower power.

The public utility has installed a smartflower, a system for gathering solar electricity.

When the device is not in use it resembles a large thick tear drop.

When the sun comes out, it unfurls in a flower shape and generates solar electricity.

Unlike many solar panels, the smartflower isn't stationary. It tracks the sun through the day before folding back up at night.

On itswebsite the manufacturer of the smartflower claims the device can generate up to 6,200 kWh a year.

While NB Power has confirmed the installation of the device, spokesperson Marie-Andree Bolduc wrote in an email to CBC News that the device is not fully operational yet.

NB Power representatives declined to be interviewed for the story, but in a blog post the utility said they were looking "to provide more and more products and services for New Brunswickers who want to integrate green energy in their households."

"It is very important that NB Power be a leader in the promotion of renewable energy sources. This is a small example of how we are doing just that," wrote Tony O'Hara, the chief technology officer and vice president of engineering for the utility.