Solar forest

Designed by: Neville Mars
Updated 7-Aug-09

Concept:

Many of the most unpleasant aspects of urban life are caused by cars, for both driver and the city itself. Large sweltering expanses of tarmac in cities contribute heavily to the urban heat island effect, whilst cars also become unbearably hot in summer sitting in these urban deserts.

Optimizing the heliostatic photovoltaic panels ultimately resulted in their leaflike shape. Although never intentionally conceived to mimic the form of a tree, the panels rotate to follow the path of the sun throughout the day – much like sunflowers – absorbing light whilst also providing optimal shading for cars. Although all parked cars can benefit from shading, electric vehicles can directly charge their batteries by plugging into the ‘solar trees.’

Solar Tree is unique among anti-auto pollution designs in that it empathizes with the anthropomorphized automobile, but particularly with the electric car, providing a place for overworked, spent cars to regain their lost torque, to relax beneath the trees, to gain back their juice in an optimal stress-free environment.

Video of the Solar Tree in motion on Youtube: SOLAR FOREST
Or as embedded movie SMALL or MEDIUM

Presentation on the Day of Sustainability 09/09/09 Beijing

DCF reveals the first model of the E_TREE to the Minister of Energy of China and Dutch Minster of Economic Affairs on the Day Of Sustainability.