A new study in renewable energy has revealed that generating energy without clearing forests is possible. These vertically paneled structures, which scientists call “solar trees,” produce the same amount of electricity as traditional solar power plants while reducing forest loss by up to 99 percent. This innovative approach offers a promising solution for resolving the conflict between energy production and nature conservation.

Scientists develop solar trees

According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, vertically designed solar trees provide efficiency comparable to traditional energy plants. Simulations conducted in the study show that while a traditional plant would need to clear almost an entire forest to generate 1 megawatt (MW) of electricity, just 63 solar trees can produce the same power. It was determined that by placing these structures in a linear arrangement, 99 percent of the forest canopy can be preserved.

The research, led by Dan-Bi Um of the Korea Maritime Institute, used a model plant in Seoul. The model featured 35 solar panels on the branches of the trees, each 4.8 meters high and 4.1 meters wide.

It was calculated that the 330 W version of these panels could generate 11.5 kW of energy, and the 450 W version could generate 15.8 kW. One of the key advantages of the vertical structure is that the panels on the upper branches generate energy while ensuring adequate light for the plants below.

The research conducted simulations on a plant constructed in 2014 in the Geoseong region of South Korea, covering an area of ​​22,856 square meters and generating 1,000 kW with 4,347 panels.

It was determined that replacing this plant with solar trees could produce the same amount of energy as 87 trees with standard panels and 63 with high-efficiency panels, while preserving almost all of the forests.

Many countries face land use challenges to meet their growing need for green energy. Solar trees, which require less space and protect the ecosystem, offer a practical solution to these problems. The study notes that this approach could align forest protection commitments with targets to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.