{"id":6928,"date":"2023-06-19T20:22:11","date_gmt":"2023-06-19T17:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/?p=6928"},"modified":"2023-06-19T22:08:38","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T19:08:38","slug":"what-are-solar-trees-and-could-they-replace-solar-panels-what-are-solar-trees-and-could-they-replace-solar-panels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz\/ecosystems\/news\/what-are-solar-trees-and-could-they-replace-solar-panels-what-are-solar-trees-and-could-they-replace-solar-panels","title":{"rendered":"What are solar trees, and Could they replace solar panels?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that the shape of airplane wings was designed to mimic the sloped wing tips of eagles? That the ridges on whales\u2019 fins that create an aerodynamic flow in water inspired the shape of the modern wind turbine? That termites drilling holes in their mounds to cool down in the desert summers influenced a method for designing more energy-efficient buildings?<\/span><\/p>\n

Biomimicry\u00a0has long been one of my favorite growing areas of science and sustainability \u2014<\/a> emulating models, systems or elements of nature to solve complex human problems. After all, mother nature has been around a lot longer than humans; she has a lot to teach us. So, as a specialist focused on\u00a0solar energy<\/a>, I\u2019ve often wondered what nature can teach us about how to capture our power from the sun. Enter solar tree<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are Solar Trees?<\/strong>
\n<\/span>A solar tree is a device resembling a tree in shape, but with photovoltaic (PV) panels in place of its crown. The \u201cleaves\u201d of the tree<\/a> capture solar energy and convert it to electricity, with branches funneling that electricity down through a trunk and into a central battery within. In essence, they provide the same benefits as solar panels, but they use only a fraction of the surface area necessary for an array of solar panels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solar trees are not a new invention, but they\u2019re enjoying a rising popularity. Most of our readers may recognize the most iconic solar trees in Singapore\u2019s stunning Gardens By the Bay, as seen in productions like Crazy Rich Asians and The Bachelor.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they exist today, more solar trees raise public awareness around sustainability than are used to generate residential or commercial power. What\u2019s more, the trees are still perceived as \u201cfuturistic,\u201d but it might be time we start shifting our mindset about these inventions by incorporating them into our vision of what sustainability<\/a> looks like in practice. Here\u2019s why:<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Solar Trees<\/strong>
\n<\/span>At first glance, solar trees might seem impractical \u2014 more art than function when compared to the best solar panels. But solar trees offer a few surprising benefits over their\u00a0ground-mounted\u00a0counterparts, including:<\/span><\/p>\n