UK firm unveils solar energy "trees"

UK firm SolarBotanic Trees Ltd on Tuesday presented its “solar tree” product, a large parasol-shaped structure with PV panels that can generate electricity for use in urban and residential settings.

The company said it had designed the tree specifically for “aesthetically sensitive” commercial locations, such as car parks at airports, shopping malls and exhibition centres, where it can be used as a set-up for vehicle charging or energy storage. As a residential solution, the solar tree can generate enough power to meet consumption needs of a three-room house, according to the developer.

Also, multiple trees can be linked into a “forest” to form a micro-grid.

The canopy features 3-D leaf-shaped nano-technology to harness solar energy. The product was developed in collaboration with with Brunel University London, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

SolarBotanic Trees says it is currently conducting an Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) qualified funding round to support the commercial launch.

The first solar trees will be available in early 2023. The company expects to eventually create a family of solar tree products, mainly aimed at the rapid electric vehicle charging market for homes, businesses and commercial car parks.

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