Solar Groves and Solar Veils transform the landscape
We all know that solar panels are for collecting the sun’s energy either for heating water or storing energy, but what if those solar panels could also provide shelter? Well, two different initiatives are doing just that. Solar Groves are providing shade for parking lots and providing power for lighting while Solar Veils will provide shade for school children while providing energy and learning.
Envision’s Solar Groves are solar panel “trees” that shade eight parking places a piece. They collect 235 Kw of power that flows back into the grid, provides lighting for the parking lot at night, and shield the asphalt and cars from the heat of the sun.
The rain flowing off the slanted solar panels washes the asphalt debris into filters to clean the run off before it pollutes the local land and water. The shade provided by the “solar grove” by day also shields the sky from ” light pollution” at night.
Another kind of multi purpose solar panels will be built in Australian school yards. Büro North has created “Solar Veils” that will provide power to the school while providing shade to students.
The Solar Veils also provide an education in renewable energy. Since the Solar Veils can easily be turned by primary school children, the underside of the structure has LEDs (light emitting diodes) that will let the children know when the Solar Veils are turned to collect the most energy from the sun.
Both the Solar Grove and the Solar Veil provide energy and shade, while providing other benefits as well. The Solar Grove also provides a method of preventing the awful asphalt heat effects found in most parking lots and provides a way to utilize rainwater for cleaning away parking lot sludge. The Solar Veil also provides an interactive education for students.
Both innovative solar concepts would be useful additions to any community improvement plan. One allows school children to learn while the other transforms hot blistering parking lots into environmentally friendly spaces.
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