Sunflower solar tree vs. flat PV module: A comprehensive analysis of performance, efficiency, and land savings in urban solar integration

Abstract

Solar energy, a prominent form of renewable energy, can be efficiently harnessed through photovoltaic (PV) technology, which has witnessed significant advancements over the past two decades. Solar tree technology has emerged as a solution to several technical challenges associated with PV systems, including land footprint concerns, aesthetic integration, and efficiency optimization. This experimental study compares a traditional flat PV module and a solar tree modeled after a sunflower. The comparative framework encompasses assessments across three distinct tilt angles to evaluate the impact of inclination on energy output. Empirical findings reveal that the sunflower-shaped module can generate 16–23 % more energy than its flat counterpart. Furthermore, temperature assessments indicate that the flat PV module reached a peak temperature of 51 °C, in contrast to the sunflower's maximum of 41 °C. An examination of the ground footprint revealed that the sunflower PV module afforded 85 % land savings relative to the flat PV module. Additionally, the research noted an average temperature reduction of 3 °C in areas shaded by solar trees, offering potential benefits for agricultural applications.

Keywords

• PV module
• Solar energy
• Solar tree
• 3D solar module
• Flexible PV module