Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology
Why in news?
CSIR-CMERI has developed the World’s Largest Solar Tree with the annual capacity to generate 12,000-14,000 units of Clean and Green Power.
Details
- The Solar Tree has been designed in a manner to ensure maximum exposure of each Solar PV Panel to Sunlight and also creation of the least amount of shadow area beneath.
- The inclination of the arms holding the Solar PV Panels are flexible and can be adjusted as per requirement.
- These Solar Trees can be aligned with Agriculture for substituting price-volatile fossil fuels.
- Each Solar Tree has the potential to save 10-12 tons of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere as Greenhouse Gases when compared with fossil fuel fired energy generation.
- Besides, the surplus generated power can be fed into an Energy Grid.
- This Agricultural Model can provide a consistent economic return and help the farmers counter the effects of the uncertain variations in Agriculture related activities, thus, making farming an Economic and Energy Sustainable practice.
What is a Solar Tree?
- A solar tree is a structure incorporating solar energy technology on a single pillar, like a tree trunk. It may be a solar artwork or a functional power generator.
- Solar trees are intended to bring visibility to solar technology and to enhance the landscape and architecture they complement, usually in a commercial or public context.
- An objective of many solar tree installations is to promote awareness, understanding, and adoption of renewable energy.
- They are not typically used as a primary source of energy for a property—that role is accomplished by rooftop solar systems.
