Solar Tree

With a very short lead time, the design challenge was to develop a robust and innovative design that would meet the following:- • Build awareness in solar technology and to promote an ‘oasis’ to cool down and recharge at the SLF. • Support and be compatible with the solar panel battery/LED light technology; • Adhere to current design principles; • Complement the existing suite of City of Melbourne street furniture; • Transportable without the need for awkward or bulky cabling; and • Successfully integrate with surrounding trees and parkland.

The design team was able to modify an earlier prototype of the solar tree. After an intensive three day redesign session, the end result was a structure incorporating solar energy technology in its ‘branches’, which funnels down into a single tree trunk-like pillar. The designers added in additional features, such as phone charging portals, which made the solar tree truly unique. Beneath the solar panelled branches, LED lights were positioned to light the ground below. At the base of the tree, a wooden seat made from recycled wood which was reclaimed from removed aging tree stock, completed the design.

The City of Melbourne has an ambitious target to become a carbon neutral city by 2020. The solar tree through its clever design provides the necessary environmental benefits. By demonstrating we can light cities with solar energy, we reduce our reliance on the carbon-intensive electricity grid. The solar tree is the future in lighting cities. The tree will set a new benchmark in sustainable design and therefore contribute to a more sustainable future. It provides the community with a place to rest, recharge and promotes a positive social impact, ensuring our public spaces are safe, vibrant and well-connected.

The tree harnesses the solar energy from the sun via its ‘canopy’ in the form of LED chips are a light emitting diode. The LEADSUN Solar panels have an integrated lithium battery with an LED light on the opposite side to the solar panel. This allows for streamline installation without having to deal with a battery box, which is common to other solar light installations. The solar panels collectively are 150W. Each panel is 50W and the energy captured charges a 230Watt/Hour battery. At dusk the inbuilt PE cell determines that it is night time as it stops producing power and illuminates the light. Each light is a 10W (1500Lumens) and collectively provides 9000 Lumens. Another key feature is the transportability of the structure and its ease of integration within parkland, without the need of digging and trenching for cabling. The solar tree makes a perfect addition to public spaces and pop up parks. Phone charging sockets were incorporated so passers-by can stop and enjoy a new take on the ‘urban forest’ while re-charging their phones. The tree was a temporary installation at this year’s Sustainability Living Festival and will make another appearance during Melbourne Knowledge Week 2018.