Solar tree is a sustainable energy source that doesn’t require fossil fuels, and it doesn’t produce any form of harmful pollution. As the world moves toward a greener future, we are paving the way to cleaner air and water. The future of renewable energy is here! With solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectricity, we are slowly making strides in fighting for a better planet. Here, are some reasons why solar tree should be our next step in the fight against global warming.
What Is a Solar Tree?
A solar tree is an above-ground structure, typically installed on a large site, usually at the entrance or landscape edge of a building or park, or as a gateway feature or display element. Its primary role is to help visitors to the site learn about solar technology and potentially inspire them to incorporate solar energy into their projects, businesses, or buildings. Solar trees are usually made of concrete, steel, or composite material and are approximately 20 to 30 feet tall, depending on the design.
They can have one or multiple distinct units: either stands or a multi-unit structure that can be up to 50 feet tall or more. The length of the stand and the unit shape can be anywhere from a single column to multiple columns with multiple units.
How Solar Tree Work
Most solar trees are planted in the ground and are secured with zip ties to hold them in place. For instance, The Atlantic City Boardwalk has put two together to form an 800-square-foot living fence; on the roof, lightbulbs and black panels cover the whole system. Solar trees are designed with enough space between each installation to allow sunlight through for as long as needed for the tree to take off.
A tree in a park can take decades to recuperate fully, so the idea is to go for the future of energy in urban areas. “In the end, solar tree might be the most permanent and ubiquitous features on the urban landscape, similar to bricks and mortar and bridges.
The Symbolism of Solar Tree
Solar trees typically receive media attention in conjunction with public energy discussions, technology advancements, and energy issues. Solar energy systems provide the opportunity to consider energy sources, as well as the cost of energy. It can be a defining factor for consumers in purchasing a new home or office or selecting a company for their facility’s energy purchase or support.
Highlighting the social and environmental impact of renewable energy is an ideal way for the public to become more educated about the role of renewable energy in building design, operations, and products. Solar trees are intended to symbolize renewable energy, more specifically, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy.
Solar Trees in the Future
The installation of solar trees is growing in popularity and different locations around the world. The Indian government recently launched a trial solar tree program. (According to INFINITY SOLAR ENERGY, the organization running the trial, 50 trees will be installed in five towns in India.)
Other programs have been developed for North America, Australia, China, the U.K., and Germany. India aims to have one million trees generating electricity by 2020. This program may be one step toward that goal. Other countries and cities may implement similar programs. In North America, solar trees are still in their infancy.
Conclusion
The future of renewable energy depends on the role of the technology: that is, how it works, what it does, and whom it serves. Solar trees are an inspiring option, primarily when used as visual displays of renewable energy. They present a compelling and functional alternative to utility-scale solar photovoltaics, which are much more expensive to build and maintain than home or commercial solar systems.
In addition to this cost-benefit, solar trees provide their clients with a real-life example of renewable energy systems, as well as an ongoing and easily observed demonstration of their installation.