Artificial Trees May Produce Solar Energy in The Near Future
The main drawback of solar power is that it requires a lot of space for the amount of power that it supplies. A huge amount of land would be needed to replace the electricity generated by a large power plant. Since any type of solar technology uses sunlight to create power, large surfaces are needed to collect the suns rays.
The answer might be in an artificial solar tree! Solar Botanic Energy Systems wants to try to recreate the way in which trees absorb sunlight. While solar panels need lot’s of direct sun, the leaves of trees can still absorb sun even when they’re shaded by other leaves and branches.
The idea is that in the same way leaves reflect sun to shaded areas of the tree and translucent leaves allow sun to pass through, an artificial tree can be designed in the same way. Artificial trees would definitely require less space and be able to create more power than some solar power systems.
The concept is to create a tree that would generate power not only from sunlight, but from wind and rain as well. Each of the trees leaves would be small solar generators and a special material will be used that will even signal the generation of more power as the leaves are moved around by the wind and rain!
There are 20 different species that are being considered for development and a solar palm tree is the first on the list. If this system works, you’ll be able to add to your landscaping and have clean energy at the same time!