What is a solar tree?

A solar tree is a freestanding structure that supports photovoltaic (PV) panels like a canopy. It generates electricity while providing shade and can integrate lighting, seating, wayfinding, or EV charging.

How much power can a solar tree produce?

Output depends on array size, panel efficiency, and sun exposure. A compact unit (2–4 kW DC) can power lighting, kiosks, or device charging; larger canopies (10–25 kW and above) can offset building loads or support multiple Level-2 EV chargers.

Are batteries required?

No. Grid-tied systems export surplus energy to the utility. Adding a battery enables nighttime lighting, resiliency, and off-grid sites; capacity is sized to critical loads and local autonomy goals.

Where are solar trees most useful?

Solar trees work best in high-sun, high-use spaces such as parking lots, school campuses, parks, transit stops, trailheads, and resort walkways. They add shade where planting large trees is constrained by utilities, pavement, or limited soil volume.

What about wind and snow loads?

Engineered foundations, rated posts, and tilt angles are selected to meet local wind and snow codes. In severe climates, use robust racking, laminated glass or framed modules, and plan for drainage and snow shedding.

How are solar trees maintained?

Maintenance typically includes periodic panel cleaning where soiling is heavy, annual electrical inspection, fastener checks, and battery health checks if storage is installed. LED lighting and inverters usually require replacement at intervals over the system life.

Most jurisdictions require electrical and structural permits, utility interconnection for grid-tied systems, and zoning review for height and placement. Parking-lot installations may also need lighting and accessibility review.

What do solar trees cost?

Budgets vary widely by size, finishes, and options. Small amenity units can land in the low tens of thousands (USD), while multi-post EV-ready canopies with storage and lighting can reach into the hundreds of thousands.

Which panels work best?

High-efficiency monocrystalline modules maximize power per footprint. For aesthetic canopies, bifacial or glass-glass modules allow filtered light below. Select modules and racking compatible with local code, wind exposure, and the desired visual effect.

Solar Tree Calculator: Energy Output, EV Charging & Carbon Savings

Use this planner to estimate annual energy production, battery runtime, EV charging capacity, cost savings, and CO₂e avoided. Select a solar-tree size class, choose a region preset, and adjust shading and system losses to match your site.

1) Choose a Solar Tree Setup

Solar tree size preset

System size (kW)

Region preset

Peak sun hours/day

Auto-fills from region (editable).

Grid CO₂ intensity (kg/kWh)

Used for CO₂e avoided.

Shading loss (%)

System losses (%)

Cabling, inverter, temperature, soiling.

Back to Solar Trees

Solar Tree Summary

Select a preset to see a best-fit summary, typical use cases, and design notes.

Estimated production

— kWh/day

— kWh/year

Carbon avoided

— tCO₂e/year

— tCO₂e over 25 years

What it can power (rule-of-thumb)

~ — phone charges/day

~ — LED bulb-hours/day (10W)

Estimates only; real loads vary.

Siting flags

Keep panels clear of shade where possible.
Account for wind / snow design loads in permitting.
Plan access for cleaning and maintenance.

Battery capacity (kWh)

0 = grid-tied without battery.

Night load (watts)

Lighting + small devices.

Estimated runtime

— hours

Assumes 90% usable battery + inverter losses.

Level-2 chargers

Assumes 7.2 kW per charger.

Charging hours/day (per charger)

Area lighting (150W)

Wi‑Fi / kiosk (60W)

Digital signage (120W)

EV energy supported/day

— kWh/day

Amenities energy/day

— kWh/day

Installed cost ($)

Incentive / credit ($)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Annual O&M ($/year)

Annual savings

$—

Simple payback

— yrs

Net cost after incentive

$—

Planning-level estimates. For procurement, confirm irradiance, structural design, permitting, and utility interconnection rules.

Tree Carbon Calculator Carbon Footprint Calculator

Solar Tree Calculator

Softwoods

Hardwoods

Calculators

Resources

Programs

Solar Tree Calculator: Energy Output, EV Charging & Carbon Savings

1) Choose a Solar Tree Setup

Solar Tree Summary

Tree Plantation

Explore

Head Office

Field Office