We keep saying it: the answer to the energy crisis is in renewables. Without ifs and buts. Here is another possible solution: solar trees. What are they and their advantages (even compared to classic photovoltaic panels)
They are not new, but they should be seriously considered, especially now: they are the solar trees or solar trees an alternative also to classic photovoltaic panels, which imitate the shape of a tree with solar panels instead of the crown.
Made in some parts of the world with increasingly sophisticated technologies (such as in the splendid Gardens By the Bay in Singapore), they really offer a cut to city bills with the same mechanism as common solar panels.
What are solar trees
©eTree
A solar tree is a device that resembles a tree in shape, but with photovoltaic panels in place of its crown. The "leaves" of the tree capture solar energy and convert it into electricity, with branches conveying it through a trunk and into a central battery inside.
They are not a new invention but, like all other solutions that take advantage of renewable energy sources, they should really be taken into consideration, especially in this historical moment. Read also: eTree: the photovoltaic tree that produces energy and supplies drinking water
Because they could replace the classic photovoltaic panels
The operating mechanism and therefore the environmental and economic advantages of solar trees are those of common panels: they feed clean energy into the grid by converting photons that come from the sun into electricity.
What's more, the trees only use a fraction of the area needed for a series of panels, because they grow upwards. Therefore, in terms of land use they are better on a large scale, i.e. as a city solution.
Gardens By the Bay (Singapore) ©chokniti/123rf
Furthermore, according to what was reported on EcoWatch by Karsten Neumeister, an expert in renewable energy, this solution implies less maintenance.
In addition to cleaning debris from solar panels from time to time, solar trees - writes Neumeister - are autonomous electrical units that they require little or no maintenance
Also - not to be underestimated - solar trees generate shade in urban environments, reducing the amount of thermal energy that is reflected off surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and brick.
This aspect can further help against the most terrible effects of climate changes
The last but not the least, they offer the possibility of "educating" to clean energy awareness.
In fact, the structures immediately attract attention, transmitting a message of creativity, resourcefulness, humility and the need to incorporate sustainability into everyday life.
Another incredible opportunity, therefore, for energy autonomy and support for the environment.
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Fonte: EcoWatch / eTree/Youtube
On photovoltaic trees you might also be interested in:
- Photovoltaic palm trees in Dubai to recharge mobile phones and tablets with clean energy (PHOTO and VIDEO)
- Strawberry Trees: the photovoltaic tree to recharge your mobile phone on the street (VIDEO)
- The child who invented the photovoltaic tree inspired by nature
- uTree, the urban photovoltaic tree
- Arbre à Vent, the wind tree that produces electricity thanks to the wind
