Maybe the solar tree isn’t so silly after all?

Traditional solar power plants require a lot of land, which means that forests have to be cut down in many places, which, experts warn, destroys the biodiversity of the forest ecosystem. The sight cannot be said to be captivating either, when the forested hillside is replaced by rows of black solar panels. However, there is a compromise solution: solar trees or solar-powered trees.

Solar trees are structures that mimic real trees, with panels that branch upwards like leaves. There is no need for clear cutting for their installation, since such “solar panels” are vertical. This design allows for photovoltaic energy production in the upper canopy while providing sufficient light to preserve the understory.

South Korean researchers with the help of 3D geospatial simulations and standard test conditions they showed methat the linear arrangement of solar trees preserves 99 percent of the forest cover, compared to the installation of traditional fixed panels, when 98 percent of the forest cover must be sacrificed. It has also been proven that 63 trees equipped with high-efficiency solar panels can match the capacity of a conventional power plant for one megawatt, while keeping the forest intact. Although the cited research focused on South Korea, experts say this methodology can be broadly applied to other countries seeking to expand renewable energy while also preserving forest ecosystems. (Of course, the research of South Korean specialists is not the only one on this topic, solar trees are also being experimented with in several countries of the world.)

However, the benefits of solar trees go beyond forests. In cities, for example, they can provide shade for pedestrians and cars while generating clean electricity. Some models may also include charging ports for electric vehicles or benches equipped with wireless charging. Researchers have even observed their cooling effect in urban “heat island” zones, where rising summer temperatures cause an increasing problem.

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