New Take On Solar Tree Offers Semi-Portability

The term solar tree is becoming, well, more of a category than any specific term. It may refer to street lights or carports, among others, and now it includes “The Solar Tree.” I suppose the term is still up for grabs, like the old hands-climbing-a-baseball-bat method of sorting out who swings first in a backyard baseball game.

This time round, The Solar Tree entails a rather clever design by Gurdeep Sandhu, which aims to bring solar power into tight spaces, such as a small backyard. The two solar panels fan out during the day to collect solar power and then can be folded back down at night to save space. If moving time comes, simply “uproot” the Solar Tree and take it with you. It can also be hooked directly to the house or run through batteries to store energy.

The actual dimensions are tough to figure out, as those given on this design site make no sense (unless the Solar Tree is about 91 feet long and nearly 80 feet tall). Still, by my best guess as to what dimensions they were trying to convey and judging by the photographs, this solar tree would be about seven feet tall and nine feet long unfurled — not easily portable.

One other issue is stability. The Solar Tree appears to have no actual “roots,” that is not anchored to the ground in any way. And from my experience in the construction trade I would say that fanning out two “wings” on a slender, centered frame is a recipe for disaster even with a relatively mild wind gust.

It would seem like a large part of the proposed “practicality” of this solar tree is its portability and easy fit into small yards. Although it will likely not be all that easy to drag around the yard, even if it is possible. And secondly, should you purchase a Solar Tree, you are introducing a maintenance regimen into your solar experience. While it will provide energy-making shade for afternoon barbecues, an owner will have to be wary when weather picks up — not very practical for those with day jobs.

It would seem that the more practical thing to do would be to incorporate solar panels onto a covered porch or patio, or even on a rooftop, where panels can be left to do their clean work.

Posted on July 22nd in Solar Products by Dan.