This flower-like solar panel is so light that you can use it to power your car while youre driving | Grist Flower-like Solar Umbrella Powers Car : Discovery News
... and quite stylish in addition. Solar Lotus Mimics Flower's Ability To Capture Sunlight | EarthTechling
That device doubles as a virginity protection device. Can't see anyone taking you or your car seriously after seeing that installed in the passenger seat.
LOL. You're correct. Leaves for solar collection, roots for water and most nutrients, and flowers for reproduction with pollen and nectar to attract bees and such. I'd hate to see the mechanical bee trying to pollinate this flower!
I've seen them assemble that canopy... Really wouldn't call it "retractible" thought -- assembly took at least 30 minutes -- and all the parts were not stored in the Roadster... Basically, they removed the passenger seat and welded in some steel plates to support the post. The metal post goes in, and then the solar panels are mounted on the post and all plugged in together. Neat idea, but the concept is really more of a back-yard solar array that could be on a solar-tracking mount. Put a table underneath it in the shade!
Dr."SolarMan" does a great job marketing his solar ideas with that Roadster. The Valley of the Sun will be a whole lot less interesting if he ever moves away. That's me he's talking to in that third photo! It was at a Cars & Coffee in Scottsdale; late February, I think.
I was at that event, too - in the unmodified Orange Roadster. I love Dr. Hui. He's a little nutty and he knows it, but its part of his marketing. I really do admire and respect his passion and advocacy for renewable energy out here. He's very popular with the kids at these events and they run up to him saying, "Solarman!" He can just as easily have a very intelligent and thoughtful adult conversation of course, too. I mean he is a real professor.