Driving, riding or biking through Portland, you might notice tall sculptures in organic forms.  Colorful metal flowers and plants spring out of the cement platforms at light-rail stops, spiraling toward the sun.

If you look closely, you’ll find that there are solar panels nestled into the metal petals and leaves.

Plant-shaped solar collectors

Some solar plants have wind turbines as well.  These plant-shaped, solar-powered street-lights are pretty. They’re also pretty awesome.