SHEFFIELD, England—The first commercial prototype of a solar tree is being developed by engineers at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). SolarBotanic Trees Ltd. is working with the AMRC to develop a field prototype of its integrated, scalable and sustainable power generation system.
The trees are designed for aesthetically sensitive locations and feature a dome made up of nano photovoltaic ‘leaves.’ The company claims they can harness enough solar energy to charge electric vehicles in parking lots. The trees use 3D leaf-shaped nano technology to harness solar energy for charging and energy storage.