The Solar Power Tree offers a way out of the space or land constraint faced in setting up panels for generation of clean, alternative energy.
The tree has been manufactured by a city-based start-up using patented technology of CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute.
The Solar Power Tree is on display at AU’s Dr. Y.V.S. Murthy Auditorium, where an exhibition of technologies from various CSIR laboratories is under way as part of the CSIR’s ‘Be an Entrepreneur of Science and Technology’ programme.
Union Minister Y. Sujana Chowdary launched it on Thursday.
“The 3 kWh Solar Power Tree is sufficient to meet the needs of a middle class family, without depending on grid power,” says National Research Development Corporation CMD H. Purushottam.
“It can be set up in a very small space of 4 sft and can withstand winds of up to 200 kmph,” says M. Chandrabose, proprietor of the start-up, Surya Power Tree.
Even the space under it can be used for greenery.
“It has been a few months since we obtained the patent and came out with the tree. We have licence to manufacture and market it,” he says. “The 3 kWh tree can be scaled up to 12 kWh to meet the power needs of the agriculture or commercial enterprises,” Mr. Bose told The Hindu .
“There will be a multi-fold decrease in the land required for big solar plants,” he pointed out.
“Alternatively, 1 kWh tree also can be manufactured to suit the residential needs,” he says. It will cost around ₹85,000.
Comparing the cost of power and how it would benefit commercial enterprises, Mr. Bose said, while the distribution companies charge ₹9 per unit, solar power could be produced at ₹3.5 per unit.
“After meeting their needs, any excess power can be exported to the grid, which also helps in earning revenue,” he said.
