Writer: Ashley Pang

Many tourists think that Singapore is a small place with no remarkable scenery. However, in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, there are 18 fascinating "supertrees", also known as solar trees. These supertrees add a unique touch of colour to this ordinary garden, especially during the night, they are breathtaking as if stepping into a future world. These trees not only collect rainwater but also generate solar energy. They also serve as ventilation ducts for two enormous conservatories in Gardens by the Bay.

The solar tree is not a real tree in the traditional sense, but rather a tree-like structure that uses photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate independent renewable energy. It employs biomimicry, using natural systems in the form of a tree to help address urgent global challenges such as replacing fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas that emit greenhouse gases. Its base and "branches" are made of sturdy metal, plastic, or stone, and solar panels are installed on the "branches" in the form of leaves.

The photovoltaic panels of a solar tree convert sunlight into electricity, which is then conducted down the tree trunk-shaped central column and into internal batteries. The trees could use rotating panels that can move throughout the day to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. 

Most solar panels were installed on the ground or rooftops, requiring a significant amount of land. Solar trees require less land and can be installed in areas with scarce land or insufficient rooftop space for solar panels, making it possible to generate electricity from the sun. In addition, solar trees can provide shade and help mitigate the urban heat island effect, as well as provide shelter from extreme weather like heavy rain and heatwaves, increasing the adaptability of cities to climate change and improving public space and facilities.

While solar trees are not yet a large-scale solar energy project, limiting their contribution to the low-carbon energy transition, they can still promote knowledge about solar energy and encourage businesses or organizations to commit to renewable energy.

Story Source:
1.    https://www.treehugger.com/what-are-solar-trees-5207944 
2.    https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hk/%E4%BB%BF%E7%94%9F%E5%AD%A6 
3.    https://www.newton.com.tw/wiki/%E5%A4%AA%E9%99%BD%E8%83%BD%E8%B6%85%E7%B4%9A%E6%A8%B9/3610754 

Image Source:
https://www.treehugger.com/what-are-solar-trees-5207944