British startup presents photovoltaic tree for commercial and industrial uses
solar tree, SolarBotanic Trees, solar, new technology
SolarBotanic Trees will begin offering the photovoltaic tree in early 2023. The systems will use monocrystalline cells with up to 24% efficiency, encapsulated in a 3D shape.
British startup SolarBotanic Trees has designed a photovoltaic tree for applications in commercial and industrial buildings.
"The photovoltaic tree will use monocrystalline cells with an efficiency of up to 24% which are encapsulated in a three-dimensional shape to give an aesthetically pleasing design," said the company's head of product, Gerard Jansen. "A series of these three-dimensional 'leaves' together form the dome which has a total diameter of 5 meters. The first version does not use trackers, but the cost-benefit of this is analyzed for future use.”
The system is based on a support structure that uses a mix of materials, including carbon fiber, metals and polymers. And according to the manufacturer, it's designed for quick and easy installation so it can be packaged for efficient shipping.
"Manufacturing is mainly in the UK and the product will be rolled out gradually by conquering the largest global markets in a strategic way, taking into account certification and logistical requirements," said Jansen. "The target market for the PV tree is the commercial and industrial sector where the Tree brings aesthetic value to surrounding properties."
Prices range from GBP 12.000 ($14.080) to GBP 16.000. The cost of the energy storage and charging EV versions will depend on the energy and power capability of the embedded hardware.
"The first-generation SolarBotanic Tree will eventually create a family of products, primarily aimed at the electric vehicle fast-charging market for homes, businesses and commercial parking lots, where solar energy can be captured and stored for charging points," the startup said. . "It will also include a sophisticated AI-driven energy storage and energy management system where trees can be connected and form part of a local grid or feed the main grid, necessary to optimize an increasingly electric future."
The company plans to start selling the first systems in early 2023. It developed the technology photovoltaic trees in partnership with Co-Innovate, an initiative supporting SMEs in London using academic and innovation resources at Brunel University London and the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in Coventry.
Despite their higher cost compared to conventional installations photovoltaic, solar trees may have a strategic advantage as they take up less space. According to recent research from South Korea, photovoltaic trees can potentially capture carbon and produce energy at the same time.
