The global expansion of solar energy often comes with a high ecological cost—massive deforestation to make way for solar panels, creating a deep conflict between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of natural ecosystems. However, new research conducted by scientists in South Korea shows that so-called solar trees can offer a sustainable solution: simultaneously increasing electricity generation capacity while preserving forest landscapes.
According to the results of a quantitative comparison carried out by researchers at the Korea Maritime Institute, a linear arrangement of solar trees makes it possible to preserve 99 percent of forest cover, while traditional flat fixed-panel installations require the removal of up to 98 percent of existing forests to achieve the same electricity generation capacity.
These findings were obtained through a combination of 3D geospatial simulations and standardized testing conditions, and the methodology can also be applied in other countries aiming to accelerate the energy transition while preserving natural carbon sinks.
How Does Solar Tree Technology Work?
Solar trees are innovative vertical structures that mimic the natural form of real trees: solar panels are arranged like canopies and branches, producing energy at the top while allowing enough light to pass through for vegetation to grow underneath. This way, two key goals are combined—renewable energy production and the preservation of forest ecosystems. Unlike conventional solar farms, which completely remove trees and disrupt biodiversity, solar trees maintain forest functions such as protection from erosion, landslides, noise, and strong winds.
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The example from South Korea clearly illustrates the importance of this concept. In just three years—from 2016 to 2018—the expansion of solar farms in the country’s mountainous regions led to deforestation of over 4,400 hectares. The removal of mature forests caused soil erosion and numerous landslides near solar installations. Similar risks threaten coastal forests, which are particularly valuable since, beyond producing oxygen and storing carbon, they serve as natural protection against winds, salinity, and tsunamis.
Until now, most research has focused on measuring the performance of individual solar trees—yielding limited results. The new study, however, shows that the same installed capacity as traditional fixed panels can be achieved with just 63 solar trees, although up to 97 could be arranged in the experimental area.
Since panels are becoming increasingly efficient at using the same surface area, solar trees can deliver higher capacity with a smaller spatial footprint. This opens up the possibility of precisely planning the expansion of solar energy in forested and coastal landscapes without dramatic destruction of nature.
Researchers emphasize that solar energy already delivers the highest power output per unit area compared to other renewable sources and, with falling production costs, is on track to become the most cost-effective technology in most regions of the world. As global commitments call for a tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 while also preserving forests, solar trees emerge as a promising dual solution.
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