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Solar Groves

If one solar cluster is a “tree” then it seems apt that placing several solar trees in one particular area is becoming known as a solar “grove.” In case you aren’t familiar, a solar tree is a little like a modern day lamp post, only with solar panels atop to light the way. Envision Solar has come up with this idea to make groves as a sort-of solar farm where green energy can easily be accessed.

Photo Credit: Allan Henderson

The latest idea is to park a bunch of these trees in a parking lot, which looks a little like a tremendous carport or one-level parking garage. The solar grove can offer shade or be set to allow sunlight onto the parking lot below. The panels will soak up the sun’s rays all day long and illuminate the parking lot during the night. Owners of electric vehicles (EVs) can also use the trees to charge their vehicles while they are parked.

One of the other very cool features of having a solar grove is that the trees can be set with the solar panels on a tilt in order to collect rainwater, which can be used by the grove’s owner in any number of ways. The downside is (and isn’t it a shame that there’s always a downside?) that the cost of parking in lots that feature solar groves will inevitably rise.

Photo Credit: kevindooley

While the concept of the solar grove is pure genius, I wonder at its application. It seems like this idea will only work if the grove is installed in the absolute proper places. If not placed properly vehicle owners will balk the idea of paying heightened parking fees just for fancy lights. This will only work in places where the predominant amount of parking lot users have electric vehicles, otherwise the benefit of having such a feature is diminished.

You may think solar groves are ahead of their time, as there are still few EVs around to tap into the energy source while their drivers are at work. However, homes and businesses that utilize the extra carport or parking lot space for the solar panels can use the photovoltaic energy generated to power the home or multiple surrounding business facilities. Shade, EV plug-in power, and electricity generation…the fruits of these solar groves are many!

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