09/11/2025
Solar trees can match the energy output of conventional solar farms—all while keeping nearly the entire forest intact.
In simulations across South Korea’s coastal forests, just 63 solar trees spaced 20 meters apart delivered the same 1 megawatt capacity as a ground-mounted solar farm. Unlike flat panels that cleared about 98 % of the forest, solar trees preserved 99 % of the canopy
That’s urgent progress. From 2016 to 2018, deforestation tied to solar development in South Korea rose from ~529 to ~2,443 hectares
Beyond forests, solar trees offer urban benefits too: shading walkways, cooling city streets, and supporting EV charging and public seating.
Upfront costs may be higher, but protecting our forests—the planet’s lungs—is invaluable.
Solar trees show we can grow clean energy alongside nature.
Source: Um, D.-B. (2025). Superior energy output of solar trees compared to flat fixed panels in coastal forest installations. Scientific Reports, 15, 30287.
