India has made a revolution in renewable sources with the invention of the world’s biggest solar tree that takes inspiration from nature and incorporates the latest solar cell technologies. This creative invention resembles trees from nature and provides clean electricity through solar panels designed like leaves. This invention marks another major milestone in the progress of renewable power technologies.
Revolutionary solar tree design breaks world records
The record-breaking solar tree developed by the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute has a photovoltaic panel surface area of 309.83 square meters. This record-breaking feat broke the world record of 67 square meters in solar tree size and received verification from Guinness World Records for being the biggest solar tree in the world. The solar tree has been installed in the Centre of Excellence for Farm Machinery in Ludhiana, Punjab.
The solar tree boasts a novel design that maximizes sunlight exposure on each panel and leaves minimal shadow areas under the structure. The novel architectural design comprises 35 PV solar panels with 330-watt capacity. The panels are mounted on flexible solar tree branches that can be adjusted in accordance with requirements. This feature makes this solar tree different from others installed on rooftops.
Advanced engineering ensures maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact
The tree’s branches route the harvested solar power downward from the trunk to the central battery system installed under the structure. The bio-inspired system makes possible the provision of 160-200 kilowatt-hours per day with a combined capacity of 53.6 kilowatt-peak power in the solar tree. The system enables the production of 12,000-14,000 units of clean power per year while performing optimally.
Agricultural use converts farming through renewable power solutions
According to Professor Harish Hirani, the director of CSIR-CMERI, the applications of such solar trees in farming are vast. This invention provides power generation solutions in various farming contexts, like the charging of electric tractors, power tillers, and various other electric vehicle charging stations. The invention further provides power supply in other areas, like the use of solar cooking equipment and cold storage units.
By design, the solar tree provides solutions for farmers in particular by rendering rooftop placement unnecessary. The structure can be erected by farmers on their farms without obstructing the air current flow or affecting farming. The structure’s shadow area is minimal to allow crop growth under the solar tree canopy. The structure’s efficiency in using land cannot be overemphasized.
Important agricultural advantages
- Power’s electronic farm equipment charging stations
- Controls irrigation pumps in watering
- Accommodates solar-powered cooking units or systems.
- Facilitates cold storage for crop preservation
- Supplies electricity to telecommunications equipment
Environmental Impact provides substantial carbon reduction and sustainability
Each solar tree has the capacity to offset 10-12 tons of carbon emissions each year in comparison to the emissions from the generation of power through fossil fuels. This aspect makes this technological innovation quite significant in the context of India’s reduced emission of gases through the enhanced use of renewable energy sources. The additional power can be supplied to the central power grid.
The approximate cost of each solar tree is 7.5 lakh rupees, although there may be governmental support under schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan if one qualifies as a farmer. The system incorporates various IoT components such as CCTV surveillance 24/7, Humidity sensors-Real-Time Humidity Measurement, Wind Speed Measurement, Rainfall Prediction Module, and Soil Analyzers.
The solar tree developed by Indian companies marks the beginning of a new era in terms of being more self-reliant in this sector and more environmentally friendly. The fact that this system broke world records and became successful proves that solutions in the realm of renewable energy based on nature are effective in overcoming current challenges in the context of the global climate.
